WHO on Covid-19: There’s strength in community communication
Where are we now in the face of the global Covid-19 pandemic?
The World Health Organization (WHO) hosted a virtual briefing on the current Covid-19 pandemic across the globe on 22 April.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus started the meeting by assuring the public the organisation will continue to work with countries, day and night, to save lives.
"One of WHO’s core functions is to provide evidence-based technical advice to countries. This is not something we do alone.
We work with thousands of experts 🌍 to collect, analyze & synthesize the best science & turn it into guidance that we give back to countries"-@DrTedros— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 22, 2020
The WHO raised the highest emergency level under International Law on 30 January.
In order to spread communication about Covid-19, “We will work with telecommunication companies to text vital health messages to billions of people who don’t have access to the internet directly on their mobile phones,” he said.
Long-term care facilities and risk response:
Dr Michael J Ryan, senior advisor, Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), National Emergency Operations Centre, explained that each country has to look at how they can minimise the risk of infection and how they manage their risk response. Ryan remarked that long-term care facilities are at high risk. “Long-term facilities’ staff need proper training, as well as appropriate and safer environments. [We need to] look at the model of how we provide care for our elderly.”
The public measures which the organisation has been advocating since the beginning of the epidemic must remain the backbone of the response in all countries:
- Find, isolate and test every case
- Trace and quarantine every contact case
- Educate, engage and empower people
Sporting and large events:
Dr Maria van Kerkhove, infectious disease epidemiologist and WHO’s technical lead for Covid-19, said the WHO engages with sporting and religious organisations about large gatherings and events, communicating their required standards and recommendations. Ultimately, sporting events represent mass gatherings which would need to be carefully organised.
“We have to come to a new social contract to manage the real risks of Covid-19. It is enormously difficult for governments to manage. If something bad happens, they will only be remembered for the negative and not for giving the people what they want,” Ryan elaborated.
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Van Kerkhove explained their key role which is to support and empower countries, but added it is up to the countries to activate and promote action plans. WHO also provides recommendations to communities to be a part of the fight against the virus.
She stressed, “A dedicated workforce of frontline workers and individuals must be valued to ensure we provide essential healthcare.”
Ryan said it is interesting how South Africa is bringing the disease under control and how African countries are showing the way. The strategy in South Africa was based on preparation, prevention, lockdown and enhanced surveillance which is incredible.
“Genuine miscommunications in communities can lead to tense situations, that’s why it is really important to listen to what the communities are saying and what their struggles are,” said Ryan.
"One of the greatest dangers we face now is complacency. People in countries with #StayHome orders are understandably frustrated with being confined to their homes for weeks on end"-@DrTedros #COVID19
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 22, 2020
“Community health workers, like those in South Africa, are being trained because they know their neighborhood, there are many good examples. It is hard to make comparisons between countries and communities,” added Ryan.
Related articles:
Covid-19 in Africa: South Africa, Algeria and Cameroon account for half the cases say WHO
Covid-19 on Africa: Need for test kits is the biggest challenge says WHO
Covid-19: What it looks like for Africa from WHO
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