Coronavirus: WHO says 2020 a devastating year for global health
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement received here Friday the year 2020 was a devastating one for global health, particularly with the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“A previously unknown virus raced around the world, rapidly emerging as one of its top killers, laying bare the inadequacies of health systems,” it said.
“Today, health services in all regions are struggling to both tackle COVID-19, and provide people with vital care.
“In another blow, the pandemic threatens to set back hard-won global health progress achieved over the past two decades - in fighting infectious diseases, for example, and improving maternal and child health.”
In 2021, the WHO said “countries around the world will need to continue to battle COVID-19, albeit with the knowledge that effective tools are evolving”.
“They will need to move swiftly to repair and reinforce their health systems so they can deliver these tools, and to address the key societal and environmental issues that result in some sections of the population suffering so much more than others.”
The WHO said it would, with its partners, be at their side and work to help countries strengthen preparedness for pandemics and other emergencies.
“We will remind them of the importance of bringing countries together and of involving the whole government, not just the health sector.
“And we will support them in building strong health systems and healthy populations,” it stated.
-0- PANA RA 25Dec2020
