Is the world ready for a new pandemic? Remarkable statement from WHO Director General Ghebreyesus

Is the world ready for a new pandemic Remarkable statement

Stating that 9 countries were completely free from some diseases this year, Ghebreyesus noted that more than 12 million doses of malaria vaccine were delivered to 17 countries in Africa, and smoking use decreased in 150 countries.

Ghebreyesus stated that while there are developments to celebrate in the world, there are also sad developments and said, “Although we are pleased with the ceasefire that has been declared in Lebanon and appears to be continuing, there is no sign of an end to the wars in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. These conflicts cause a lot of death, destruction and displacement.” “The healthcare system was also frequently targeted.” made his assessment.

Explaining that according to WHO records, health services were targeted 1370 times in a year, Ghebreyesus stated that as a result of these, 805 people died and 1545 people were injured.

Noting that the developments in Syria are a new hope, Ghebreyesus stated that healthcare institutions in Aleppo and Idlib have been busy in the last two weeks, some have suspended their services, and 19 attacks against healthcare services have been recorded.

Stating that the healthcare needs of those displaced within Syria and those returning to Syria will put a new burden on the healthcare system in the country, Ghebreyesus said, “Even before the last military operation, less than two-thirds of hospitals and healthcare facilities were operational. Almost 15 million people had emergency trauma, surgery, It needs non-communicable disease, child and maternal health, and mental health services.” he said.

Ghebreyesus also emphasized that WHO sent 11 trucks of health supplies to the region in the last 2 weeks, and said that they are already taking action to solve the needs in the coming days.

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Pointing out that the M pox virus in Africa is a global concern, Ghebreyesus stated that the Marburg virus, which emerged in Rwanda, was brought under control.

Ghebreyesus mentioned the alarming spread of bird flu and talked about the diseases for which the fight was unsuccessful.

Stating that deaths from cholera have increased by 71 percent and measles cases have increased by 20 percent in the last year, Ghebreyesus said that the rate of diabetes in adults has increased fourfold since 1990.

Ghebreyesus reported that an unnamed disease in Rwanda about two weeks ago caused 31 deaths out of 416 cases, most of them children under the age of 14.

Ghebreyesus also said that investigations are continuing in the region and stated that Covid-19 is still effective and taking lives.

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“We cannot talk about Covid-19 as if it were past tense.” Ghebreyesus reminded that approximately 1000 people per week fell victim to this disease in the last year, and a total of 7 million people in the last 5 years.

Ghebreyesus stated that the world was both ready and not ready for a new pandemic and said, “If the new pandemic came today, the world would face some of the same vulnerabilities that paved the way for Covid-19 5 years ago.” he said.

Ghebreyesus said that the World Bank and WHO created the Pandemic Fund as a result of the lesson the world learned from Covid-19, and explained that many projects were supported and importance was given to the production of local medicines and vaccines.

Underlining that half of the world’s population cannot access basic health services, Ghebreyesus said, “While opportunities to access health care are increasing around the world, 2 billion people are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of paying for health care and medicines.” he said.

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This content was published by Nilgün Akbıyık.

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