WHO calls for vigilance against “collective amnesia” during COVID-19 outbreak and strengthening protection against respiratory diseases

The WHO Regional Office for Europe stressed that coronaviruses such as the new coronavirus, influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus must be taken seriously because they pose a serious threat to high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases. To this end, the organization has launched a protection campaign covering the entire region.

Beware of fading memory of the epidemic

Kluge, director of the WHO European Regional Office, said that the collective amnesia about the COVID-19 pandemic is worrying. Although it is reasonable for individuals, communities and countries to want to emerge from the shadow of the epidemic, the new coronavirus is still spreading intertwined with other respiratory viruses.

Krug pointed out that there are still up to 72,000 deaths from seasonal influenza in 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia each year, accounting for about 20% of global influenza deaths, and most of these deaths could have been avoided through preventive measures. He called for protecting vulnerable groups through vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease and its serious consequences.

COVID-19 data

In the 28 days ending September 22, the WHO European Region reported more than 278,000 new coronavirus cases and 748 deaths. The WHO said that these two figures are among the highest in all WHO regions worldwide, and the actual situation may be more serious.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019, more than 7 million people have died from the virus worldwide, with the highest number of deaths reported in the United States (1.2 million), Brazil (702,000), India (534,000) and Russia (403,000).

New challenges from the global epidemic

Krug pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused great damage to the world, and the monkeypox type II virus that unexpectedly appeared in Europe in 2022 is still spreading, while the monkeypox type I epidemic in the Middle East and Africa has also been listed as a public health emergency of international concern. In addition, as the weather gets colder and people gather more indoors, respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus will spread simultaneously with greater intensity in the coming months.

He called on health departments of all countries to fulfill their responsibilities to protect vulnerable groups and increase investment in public health to alleviate the tremendous pressure on medical staff.