WHO warns that collapse of health system “dramatically increases” preventable deaths from Coronavirus
The director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that collapses in the health system due to the coronavirus pandemic can “dramatically increase” the deaths of patients with other diseases.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is putting pressure on healthcare systems in many countries. The rapid increase in demand for healthcare facilities and professionals threatens to leave some healthcare systems overloaded and unable to function effectively. Past outbreaks have shown that when health systems are collapsed, deaths from preventable and treatable diseases with vaccines increase dramatically, “he warned at a press conference on Monday.
Thus, he insisted that although health systems around the world are “in the midst of a crisis”, essential health services “must continue.” “Babies are still being born, vaccines must be administered, and people still need life-saving treatment for a number of other diseases,” he reiterated.
In this context, WHO has published a guide to help countries balance the demands of responding directly to coronavirus, while maintaining essential health services. For example, they urge to ensure routine vaccinations during pregnancy and pregnancy, as well as the treatment of infectious and non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions, along with blood donation services.
Similarly, the WHO has published a manual detailing how to establish and manage coronavirus treatment centers while maintaining essential services. Among other things, he advises the installation of triage in health centers using a specific building or in a field hospital, community facilities to care for minor patients, and a treatment center, reusing the rooms of a hospital or the entire hospital, or establishing a new campaign.
HOW TO REMOVE THE LACK OF SANITARY PRODUCTS
On the other hand, Tedros stressed that it is “vital” to ensure the free movement of medical devices against Covid-19 to “save lives and curb the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.” The head of the United Nations health agency spoke Monday with the trade ministers of the G20 countries about how to deal with the chronic shortage of personal protective equipment and other essential medical supplies.
“We continue to be encouraged by signs of global solidarity to confront and overcome this common threat. The commitment of the G20 countries to work together to improve the production and equitable supply of essential products shows that the world is coming together,” he celebrated.
Tedros has called on countries to work with companies, with the aim of increasing production, ensuring the free movement of essential sanitary products and guaranteeing the equitable distribution of these products, according to needs. In addition, it has emphasized that Africa, Asia and Latin America must have “special attention” for access to these products.
In addition, he assured that the WHO “is working intensively” with various partners to increase “massively” access to products such as diagnostic tests, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical oxygen, respirators and more.
“HUMILITY AND KINDNESS” IN FRONT OF THE CORONAVIRUS
On the other hand, Tedros has commented on the implications of the confinements decreed by many countries to face the coronavirus pandemic. “In applying these measures, it is vital to respect the dignity and well-being of all people. It is also important that governments keep their population informed about the planned duration of the measures and that they support older people, refugees and other groups. vulnerable, “he added.
Thus, he added that governments “must guarantee the well-being of people who have lost their income and desperately need food, sanitation and other essential services.” “Countries must work with communities to build trust and support resilience and mental health,” he has claimed.
On the other hand, he has been very “grateful” for the donations received in the Strategic Preparation and Response Plan for Covid-19 launched by WHO two months ago, which has already raised more than 622 million dollars (563.76 million of euros). Tedros today especially thanked King Salman of Saudi Arabia for his contribution of 10 million dollars (9.06 million euros).
Finally, the leader of the international health organization has sent a message of hope, as is customary in his press conferences: “The Covid-19 reminds us how vulnerable we are, how connected we are and how dependent we are on each other In the midst of such a storm, scientific and public health tools are essential, but so are humility and kindness. With solidarity, humility, and taking the best of each other, we can and will overcome it together. ”
From WHO.
