From Our Bureau
21st MAY 2020
The Corona Virus (CPVID-19) pandemic situation remained grim globally, with the confirmed cases across the world soaring to 48,93,186 and the death toll reaching 3,23,256 in the 216 affected countries and territories, according to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Globally, European region continued to be the worst-hit in terms of fatalities with 19,46,610 confirmed cases and 1,70,283 deaths. American region came next with 21,66,003 confirmed cases and 1,28,649 deaths. Eastern Mediterranean region reported 3,76,379 confirmed cases and 10,468 deaths.
Western Pacific region’s tally stood at 1,70,910 confirmed cases and 6,793 deaths. South-East Asia region recorded 1,64,225 confirmed cases and 5,140 deaths and African region witnessed 68,347 confirmed cases and 1,910 deaths. WHO Risk Assessment at global level remained very high.
The WHO World Health Assembly has ended with a global commitment to the COVID-19 response. Delegates adopted a landmark resolution to bring the world together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO has been supporting Somalia since the beginning of this outbreak to enhance its infection control measures, testing capacities, and case management. In particular, training has been provided for the healthcare workers of the De-Martino hospital and 13 other isolation centres across the country, which have also received medical supplies and budget support for salaries.
However, so far, only 26 percent of WHO’s urgent appeal of US$ 21.95 million for emergency response to COVID-19 in Somalia has been funded. The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, celebrated every year on 21 May, is an opportunity to celebrate not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the importance of cultural competency and intercultural dialogue within healthcare systems.
It also reminds us that public health efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic require a whole-of-society approach and must include vulnerable populations such as refugees and migrants in national plans and strategies. (eom)
