From Our Bureau
24th MAY 2020
The Corona Virus (CPVID-19) pandemic situation remained grim globally, with the confirmed cases across the world soaring to 52,04,508 and the death toll reaching 3,37,687 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 20,06,984 confirmed cases and 1,73,886 deaths. American region came next with 23,38,124 confirmed cases and 1,38,116 deaths. Eastern Mediterranean region reported 4,15,806 confirmed cases and 10,988 deaths.
Western Pacific region’s tally stood at 1,73,621 confirmed cases and 6,863 deaths. South-East Asia region recorded 1,91,966 confirmed cases and 5,748 deaths and African region witnessed 77,295 confirmed cases and 2,073 deaths. WHO Risk Assessment at global level remained very high.
At least 80 million children under one at risk of diseases such as diphtheria, measles and polio as COVID-19 disrupts routine vaccination efforts, warn GAVI, WHO and UNICEF. Agencies call for joint effort to safely deliver routine immunization and proceed with vaccination campaigns against deadly vaccine-preventable diseases.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros, in his regular media briefing on 22nd May, thanked all those who contributed to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. The Fund, launched with the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation,, has so far raised more than U$214 million from more than 375,000 individuals, corporations and foundations.
The WHO Regional Office for the Americas organized media sensitization sessions on reporting on COVID-19 to increase journalists’ understanding of the underlying issues relating to the pandemic and thus allow for more sensitive reporting. (eom)
