From Our Bureau
30th April 2020
The Corona Virus (CPVID-19) pandemic situation remained grim globally, with the confirmed cases across the world soaring to 30,90,445 and the death toll reaching 2,17,769 in the 213 affected countries and territories, according to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Globally, European region continued to be the worst-hit, with 14,34,649 confirmed cases and 1,35,961 deaths. American region came next with 12,46,190 confirmed cases and 65,228 deaths. Eastern Mediterranean region reported 1,82,417 confirmed cases and 7,447 deaths.
Western Pacific region’s tally stood at 1,47,743 confirmed cases and 6,094 deaths. South-East Asia region recorded 54,021 confirmed cases and 2,088 deaths and African region witnessed 24,713 confirmed cases and 938 deaths. WHO Risk Assessment at global level remained very high.
WHO reminds health authorities to take specific steps to protect health care workers and communities during essential immunization activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. PAHO has published an article on this, available here.
WHO AMRO/PAHO Director, Dr Carissa F. Etienne, has urged for vaccination programs to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic: “If we fall behind on routine immunizations, particularly for children, we risk outbreaks, thus overwhelming hospitals and clinics with preventable diseases in addition to COVID-19.”
WHO/EURO Director, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, called for transparent knowledge-sharing, tailored support on the ground, and steadfast solidarity. WHO SEARO organized a meeting with vaccine manufacturers and national regulatory authorities to discuss future COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in the Region.
WHO endeavours to ensure that all Member States have timely and accurate testing capacity for COVID-19. (eom)
