Current disease outbreaks highlight the urgent need for every country to ramp up its care systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief told journalists on Wednesday.
The call comes against a backdrop of Marburg and mpox outbreaks, the more than 10,000 COVID-19 deaths still being reported weekly, and the ongoing emergency response to the deadly earthquake in Syria and Türkiye, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
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“Together, these current conditions point to the critical need for all countries to build health systems” that can successfully handle such emergencies, he said.
Recalling his recent visit to Syria, he said that more than a decade of conflict has left the country’s health infrastructure unable to cope with the aftermath of the recent earthquake, with town after town destroyed, unfolding as a demonstration of the legacy of war.
Recent outbreaks are also a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen health systems, he said.
Marburg threat
To address the recent outbreak in Equatorial Guinea, WHO is working with authorities to prepare to rapidly detect any suspected cases of Marburg, a rare Ebola-like virus that has a fatality rate of up to 88 per cent.
To date, nine deaths have been reported, with no currently confirmed cases in neighbouring Cameroon and Gabon.
Vaccines are being developed, and Equatorial Guinea will be involved in any related decisions on clinic trials, he added.
Dr. Abdi Mahamud of WHO said that lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have already unfolded in a current drive to boost surveillance efforts in nearby countries.
Mpox a global emergency
While WHO acknowledged ongoing efforts and the continued decline in mpox cases, he said more than 30 countries are currently reporting cases.
“The outbreak remains a public emergency on a global scale,” Tedros cautioned.
In addition, concerns persist about underreporting, particularly in nations where prior cases have been reported, he said, calling on all countries to maintain surveillance efforts.
A rare viral disease primarily occurring in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, mpox outbreaks have emerged in other parts of the world, affecting 110 countries affected, with reports of more than 80,000 cases and 55 deaths.
10,000 deaths ‘too many’
Reports of COVID-19 pandemic-related hospitalizations and deaths have declined, but there are still 10,000 deaths reported weekly worldwide, WHO’s chief said.
“This is 10,000 deaths too many for a disease that can be prevented,” he said.
Subvariants of the Omicron strain also remain a cause for concern, based on their increased transmissibility and ability to kill.
Tracking disease origins
Given the millions who died and were affected by COVID-19, Tedros said that definitely finding the origin of the pandemic is crucial, for scientific and moral reasons, to prevent the next disease outbreak.
“Morally, it is important to know how we lost our loved ones,” he said. “We need to push until we get the answer to the origins and how this pandemic started.”
The origins of COVID-19, Ebola, Marburg and other diseases are unknown, but investigations are ongoing.
While WHO does not have the power to go into a country at will to do relevant studies, its Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins on Novel Pathogens (SAGO) has been clear on what the next steps are.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
As a public health professional, I strongly believe that the recent outbreaks emphasize the critical importance of enhancing global health systems to effectively respond to emergencies. It is crucial for every nation to prioritize building resilient healthcare infrastructures to tackle such crises and prevent further devastating consequences.
“These current conditions point to the critical need for all countries to build health systems that can successfully handle such emergencies,” she said.
Are the health systems in all countries adequately equipped to handle simultaneous emergency situations like the current disease outbreaks mentioned in the article?
Yes, the recent outbreaks emphasize the pressing need for all countries to strengthen their health systems to effectively manage such emergencies. Tedros’ call for ramping up care systems resonates with the critical importance of preparedness in facing simultaneous crises like those mentioned in the article.
“Together, these current conditions point to the critical need for all countries to build health systems” that can successfully handle such emergencies, she said.
Together, these current conditions point to the critical need for all countries to build health systems that can successfully handle such emergencies.
Considering the current disease outbreaks and emergency situations such as earthquakes, it’s clear that all countries must enhance their health systems to effectively handle such crises. The urgent need for building robust health infrastructure is evident in these challenging times.
Amid the recent outbreaks, it is crucial that every country steps up its healthcare systems as the WHO chief has highlighted. These conditions vividly emphasize the necessity for all nations to develop resilient health systems to effectively manage such emergencies.
In light of the current disease outbreaks, it is imperative that each country enhances its healthcare systems to effectively manage emergencies, as emphasized by the WHO chief. The ongoing challenges posed by various health crises underscore the critical importance of robust health systems that can navigate such situations successfully.
Does the WHO have specific strategies in place to prevent future outbreaks like Marburg and mpox?
Yes, the WHO continuously develops and implements strategies to prevent future outbreaks like Marburg and mpox. These recent events underscore the critical importance of strengthening global health systems to effectively respond to emerging health threats.
Considering the alarming recent outbreaks and ongoing emergencies, it is imperative that all countries enhance their health systems to effectively manage such crises. The call for action by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlights the critical importance of being prepared for health emergencies. Let’s join hands in this global effort to strengthen our healthcare systems.
Given the current situation, it’s crucial for all countries to enhance their healthcare systems to effectively handle such emergencies. The recent outbreaks serve as a clear signal that immediate actions need to be taken to fortify our health infrastructure.