From Our Bureau
25TH JULY 2020
The Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic situation remained grim globally, with the confirmed cases across the world soaring to 1,55,81,009 and the death toll rising to 6,35,173 in the 216 affected countries and territories, according to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Globally, American region continued to be the worst-hit with 82,92,311 confirmed cases and 3,29,699 deaths. Europe came next with 31,92,041 confirmed cases and 2,09,930 deaths. South-East Asia region’s tally stood at 16,78,994 confirmed cases and 38,993 deaths.
Eastern Mediterranean region reported 14,56,365 confirmed cases and 37,050 deaths. African region registered 6,79,962 confirmed cases and 11,340 deaths. Western Pacific region recorded 2,80,595 confirmed cases and 8,148 deaths. WHO Risk Assessment at global level remained very high.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected older people disproportionately, especially those living in long-term care facilities. WHO has published a policy brief on preventing and managing COVID-19 across long-term care services.
Evelyn Narki Dowuona, a health worker at the Ga East Municipal Hospital in Accra, Ghana, speaks with WHO on the challenges of managing COVID-19.
WHO has released a set of practical steps for implementing the prescriptions of the WHO Manifesto for a healthy recovery from COVID-19. These prescriptions aim to create a healthier, fairer and greener world while investing to maintain and resuscitate the economy hit by the effects of the pandemic.
Prison nurse Deanna Mezen discusses how life has changed under COVID-19 at one of the largest prisons in the United Kingdom.
Through the UHC Partnership, WHO has been working since 2011 to support Timor-Leste’s efforts to strengthen its health system. At the time of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 Timor-Leste had no identified isolation and quarantine facilities, limited surveillance capacity and had just initiated in-country testing for COVID-19. Swift action from the Ministry of Health decisively transformed its fragile health system and prevented COVID-19 from reaching communities. (eom)
