Coronaviruses such as COVID, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) “must be taken seriously” as they are particularly dangerous for at-risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women and people suffering from existing or chronic diseases. WHO Europe persisted and launched a region-wide protection campaign.
“Collective amnesia is underway COVID-19 has entered and this is worrying,” said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “Individuals, communities and countries understandably want to put the trauma of the pandemic years behind them. Yet COVID-19 is still very much present and circulating together with other respiratory viruses.”
European spotlights
The WHO official noted that 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia are still dealing with 72,000 deaths from seasonal flu, accounting for about 20 percent of the global burden. ‘The vast majority of these deaths are preventable’ he said, adding that the most vulnerable “must be protected” by vaccine immunization, which is proven to prevent disease and serious outcomes.
In the 28 days to September 22, health authorities in the WHO European Region reported slightly more 278,000 cases of COVID-19 and 748 deaths, from Cyprus to Moldova and from Ireland to Russia.These figures are higher than in any other WHO region and are likely an underestimatethe UN health organization said.
According to WHO dataSince the outbreak began in late 2019, COVID-19 has killed more than seven million people, with the most deaths reported in the United States (1.2 million), Brazil (702,000), India (534,000), and Russia ( 403,000).
Unpredictable pathogens
“COVID-19 has devastated every corner of the planet,” said Dr. Kluge. “Mpox clade II appeared unexpectedly in Europe in 2022 and continues to circulate in the region even as mpox clade I has caused a public health emergency of international concern in East Central Africa. And RSV and influenza will continue to circulate at increased intensity in the coming months, especially as more people gather indoors due to colder weather.”
National health authorities must fulfill their role in protecting vulnerable populations, the senior WHO official continued, as he urged greater investment in public health to protect overburdened health workers.
New and existing viruses could “wreak havoc on healthcare systems, economies and society,” Dr Kluge warned, calling for regular and consistent surveillance and monitoring to “ensure we are ready for the next major health emergency of healthcare, wherever and whenever it occurs. ”.
As part of a WHO Europe public health campaign to prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory diseases, the UN agency noted that key protective measures include staying home when sick, practicing hand and cough hygiene and ensuring good ventilation are.
Vulnerable populations, including people with weakened immune systems and anyone who thinks they may have contracted a respiratory virus, should wear a tight-fitting mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, the WHO added.
“Protection against respiratory viruses is the shared responsibility of governments and society as a whole,” said WHO’s Dr. Kluge. “Everyone must do their part to promote a culture of care and solidarity with the vulnerable.”