From Our Bureau
18TH JULY 2020
The Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic situation remained grim globally, with the confirmed cases across the world soaring to 1,38,76,441 and the death toll reaching 5,93,087 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 73,06,371 confirmed cases and 3,02,508 deaths. Europe came next with 30,42,330 confirmed cases and 2,06,684 deaths. Eastern Mediterranean region reported 13,60,791 confirmed cases and 33,738 deaths.
South-East Asia region’s tally stood at 13,47,954 confirmed cases and 32,907 deaths. African region registered 5,61,466 confirmed cases and 9,349 deaths. Western Pacific region recorded 2,56,788 confirmed cases and 7,888 deaths. WHO Risk Assessment at global level remained very high.
WHO has published an interim checklist for local authorities on Practical actions in cities to strengthen preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The checklist accompanies the interim guidance on Strengthening preparedness for COVID-19 in cities and urban settings.
The WHO Regional Office for Europe joined the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF to issue a policy paper on how to strengthen protection against, and address, social and economic shocks such as those caused by the pandemic.
Ghana’s nurses are delivering child healthcare services to communities in need amid COVID-19. Segla, a community nurse who provides preventive healthcare to children in the north of Accra, emphasized the importance of visiting households if pediatric patients do not attend clinics due to COVID-19. (eom)
