Thirteen of the fifteen international experts that make up the mission of the World Health Organization (WHO) to find the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, arrived in Wuhan this Thursday, the director of that agency reported.
Two members of the delegation are still in Singapore, after testing positive for antibodies to the virus, but negative in molecular tests (PCR).
“All team members had multiple negative PCR and antibody tests in their home countries before traveling. The experts who arrived in Wuhan will be in quarantine for the next two weeks and will begin working remotely with their counterparts in China. Then they will continue their work on the ground for two more weeks ”, Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus explained before the International Emergency Committee, meeting for the sixth time since the appearance of COVID-19.
The Committee, which is expected to extend the international emergency declaration of COVID-19, will also issue recommendations on the recent emergence of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as on the possible use of vaccination certificates and tests for international travel.
“One theme unites both issues: solidarity. We cannot afford to prioritize or punish certain groups or countries. We are all in this together, and we must all go out together, ”said the WHO director.
A couple in Wuhan, China, enjoy the sun after the lockdown measures were lifted.
A situation that worsens
At the first meeting of the Committee, only 557 cases had been reported worldwide, a year later the figure rises to more than 90 million and almost 2 million deaths.
“I am sure that, like me, your main hope and wish for 2021 is that together we can end the pandemic and help restore a sense of normalcy in all countries. The vaccine launch, of course, gives us all hope that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. The most urgent focus of the WHO now is to ensure that all countries have equitable access to vaccines ”, stressed Tedros.
The director of the WHO assured now looks much greater global awareness of public health approaches based on science to respond to the pandemic.
"We also see greater commitment and acceptance from individuals and communities to play their role in their own safety and that of others," he said, warning, however, that countries must be careful when reporting risks.
“Messages should be positive and explain actions, timelines, and mitigation efforts. As we all know, this is key to any public health intervention, "he said.
Tedros urged countries to focus on settings with the highest risk of transmission and establish sustainable response strategies, as well as to measure and monitor the impact of interventions to learn for the future.
A mural in Manchester, UK, depicting a nurse.
The impact of the holiday period in Europe cannot yet be calculated
More than 280 million people in Europe are currently living in countries with total blockade measures, and more governments are ready to announce new lockdowns next week, said the WHO director for that region.
Hans Kluge noted that cases in the region amount to 26 million, with more than 580.000 confirmed deaths in 2020, and that transmission in recent weeks has remained at very high rates.
“When there are signs of stabilization or even a decrease in incidence in some countries, this should be taken with some caution. The impact of the vacation period, family and community gatherings, and any relaxation of physical distancing and mask-wearing behavior cannot yet be determined. Testing activities also may have been minor during the holiday season, which has resulted in an incomplete image of the current epidemiological situation ”, he warned.
The expert added that this is compounded by the concern of 25 countries in the region, including Russia, which reported a new strain of the virus.
“This variant is 'worrying' as it has increased transmissibility. So far, we understand that there is no significant change in the disease, which means that COVID-19 is neither more nor less serious. It spreads to all age groups and children do not seem to be at higher risk, ”he said.
Kluge noted that because of the situation, more needs to be done than has already been done to intensify public health and social measures over a short period of time to ensure that the curve can be flattened.
“It is the basic measures that we are all familiar with that must be stepped up to reduce transmission, eliminate stress and save lives. Adhere to the widespread use of face masks, limiting the number of social gatherings, physical distancing and hand washing, along with proper test and trace systems, andl adequate support for quarantine and isolation, and more and more vaccination will work if we all get involved ”, he explained.
The inequity of vaccines
95% of the 23,5 million doses of vaccines administered so far globally have been administered in ten countries, said the WHO regional director.
“We are making great efforts so that vaccines reach all nations; For this, we need all countries capable of contributing, donating and supporting equitable access and the deployment of vaccines. We simply cannot afford to leave any country, no community behind, ”he emphasized.
He added that, to date, 31 countries in the European WHO region have begun to implement vaccination campaigns. However, given the limited supply of vaccines and the increasing burden on health systems, it is vital to prioritize health workers and those most at risk in communities.
“Whether it is the allocation and prioritization of vaccines, access to medical supplies and tests, or public health measures and policies to control the pandemic, we have a responsibility to base decisions on the fundamental values that are at the heart of humanity. : solidarity, equity and social justice. ANDs the only way out of these uncertain times because no one will be safe until everyone is safe ”, he concluded.