WHO official warns coronavirus epidemic 'far from over' in Asia

World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on March 31  that coronavirus crisis is “far from over” in Aisa and Pacific. Addressing a virtual media briefing on COVID-19 in western pacific region, WHO Regional Director Takeshi Kasai said that this is going to be a long-term battle and we can t let down our guard.

“We need every country to keep responding to ir local situation and at same time we need every country to keep preparing for large scale community transmission,” said Kasai.

WHO official said that western pacific region was hit hard by SARS in 2003 and UN health ncy has been preparing for such situation ever since. Kasai, however, cautioned that COVID-19 is a pandemic world has ever seen and it has changed systems and put a strain on people’s lives in an unprecedented manner.

“Preparing for large-scale community transmission must reach every corner and community of every country, to make sure that body is left behind,” said WHO Regional Director.

Read: COVID-19: WHO Chief Says Essential Services Should Continue, Releases Manual

Operational planning guidelines

World Health Organisation (WHO) has published operational planning guidelines to help countries balance demands to fight COVID-19 while maintaining or essential health services. overwhelming number of coronavirus cases has affected or essential health services since most of resources have been concentrated to fight pandemic.

Read: WHO Opines On Lockdown Implementation, Calls For Ensuring Welfare Of Affected People

Addressing a press briefing on March 30, WHO Director-General Tedros Adham Ghebreyesus said that guidelines include immediate actions to reorganize and maintain access to high-quality essential health services such as routine vaccination, care during pregnancy and childbirth, treatment for infectious and ncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions.

practical manual cover three major interventions that call for setting up screening and tri at health facilities, community facilities, and treatment centre. WHO also called on countries to work with companies to increase production and ensure free movement of essential health products.

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