A few months ago, most of the world was not worried about the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
The virus has now affected almost every corner of the globe, and the number of confirmed cases is expected to surpass 1 million on any given day, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on April 1.
“As we enter the fourth month since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am deeply concerned about the rapid escalation and global spread of the infection,” he said.
“Over the past five weeks, we have witnessed an almost exponential rise in the number of new cases, covering virtually every country, territory and area,” Tedros said.
“The death toll has more than doubled in the past week. In the next few days, we will reach 1 million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths. '
Developing countries need support.
Tedros stressed the need for developing countries with fewer cases so far, including countries in Africa, Central America and South America, to receive support both to prevent the spread of infection and to prevent the economic, social and political collapse that may accompany outbreaks.
“It is imperative that we provide these countries with everything they need to detect, test, isolate and treat the coronavirus,” Tedros said.
“I'm glad to see this happening in many countries despite limited resources.”
He said he called on governments to take social welfare measures to protect vulnerable groups. One encouraging example is India, where the prime minister announced a $ 24 billion package, including free food rations, money transfers and free gas for the next three months.
He added that WHO, together with UNICEF and the International Federation of the Red Cross, have also issued new guidelines to help developing countries adopt practices such as physical distancing and severe hand washing.
“WHO is recommending that countries install handwashing stations at the entrance to public buildings, offices, bus stops and train stations, and many countries do so,” he said.
Tedros welcomed the ongoing 'solidarity trial', which currently includes 74 countries, and is testing the safety and efficacy of four different drug combinations against COVID-19.
“Three months ago, we knew almost nothing about this virus. Collectively, we have learned a lot and we learn more every day, 'he said.
'WHO is committed to serving all people around the world to protect their health.'
The article was published by Business Insider.
Sources: Photo: WHO
