WHO calls for 'global solidarity' in controlling coronavirus outbreak
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WHO called for global solidarity to control the coronavirus outbreak and announced it will send supplies to 24 countries. The agency also asked all member states to report more thorough case data while limiting restrictions that negatively impact international travel and trade.
“We can only defeat this novel coronavirus outbreak with global solidarity. That starts with collective participation in global surveillance,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, MSc, said during a webcast on Tuesday.
He added: “Of course, the risk of it becoming more widespread globally remains high. Now is the moment for all countries to be preparing themselves.”
To assist countries who need support, WHO is sending 531,000 masks, 350,000 pairs of gloves, 40,000 respirators and nearly 18,000 isolation gowns from WHO warehouses to 24 countries. According to Tedros, WHO is also sending 250,000 tests to more than 70 reference laboratories globally to enable earlier testing and identification of cases.
In addition to sharing supplies, WHO is requesting more of its member states.
First, WHO is asking all member states to share detailed information, including epidemiological data, clinical severity data and the results of community studies and investigations.
“This is the responsibility of all countries under the International Health Regulations. . . ,” he said. “Without better data, it’s very hard for us to assess how the outbreak is evolving, or what impact it could have, and to ensure we are providing the most appropriate recommendations.”
Second, WHO is reiterating its call to all countries not to impose restrictions that unnecessarily interfere with international travel. Tedros says these restrictions can increase fear and stigma “with little public health benefit.”
Finally, WHO calls on member states to “facilitate rapid collaboration” between the public and private sectors to develop diagnostics, medicines and vaccines to bring the outbreak under control.
To date, there are 20,471 confirmed cases and 425 death reported in China, according to WHO. Outside of China, there are 176 confirmed cases in 24 countries and one reported death in the Philippines.
“We have a window of opportunity to act. . . . There is no reason for panic and fear,” Tedros said. “Concern and worry should be supplemented with action now, while we have the window of opportunity.”– by Caitlyn Stulpin
Disclosure: Tedros reports no relevant financial disclosures.