Published 13:54 IST, April 28th 2020

WHO chief says coronavirus pandemic 'far from over', worried about children

WHO chief said that the global health agency is deeply concerned about the impact the pandemic will have on other health services, especially for children.

Reported by: Vishal Tiwari
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World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros ham Ghebreyesus held a virtual press conference on April 27 where he said that global health ncy is deeply concerned about impact pandemic will have on or health services, especially for children. "Children may be at relatively low risk from severe disease and death from COVID-19, but can be at high risk from or diseases that can be prevented with vaccines," Tedros told reporters in Geneva. 

"Every year, more than 116 million infants are vaccinated, or 86% of all children born globally. But re are still more than 13 million children around world who miss out on vaccination. We kw that that number will increase because of COVID-19. Alrey, polio vaccination campaigns have been put on hold, and in some countries, routine immunization services are being scaled back or shut down," Tedros said in press conference. 

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According to Tedros, WHO is concerned about increasing cases in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and some Asian countries, where he feels that cases and deaths are being underreported because of low testing capacity. "We are continuing to support se countries with technical assistance through our regional and country offices, and with supplies through Solidarity Flights. In past week, we have delivered supplies to more than 40 countries in Africa, and more are planned," Tedros said. 

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Tedros also highlighted WHO's efforts amid pandemic as he pointed out that UN health body has shipped millions of items of personal protective equipment to 105 countries, and lab supplies to more than 127 countries so far, ding that it will ship millions more in weeks ahe. Tedros also thanked China, Portugal, and Vietnam for ir recent contributions to WHO’s Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan.

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Tedros urges global solidarity

Tedros furr reiterated that fight against coronavirus could only be won through unity at national level and solidarity at global level. "If we’re t united virus will exploit gaps between us and create havoc. Lives will be lost. National unity is foundation for global solidarity. Solidarity, solidarity, solidarity – that’s what we will say every single day," Tedros ded. 

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(Im Credit: AP)
 

13:54 IST, April 28th 2020