COVID-19: WHO warns governments to prepare for multiple surges

KUALA LUMPUR: The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned governments of countries in the Western Pacific region, which includes Malaysia, to prepare for multiple surges of COVID-19 before a vaccine is ready – estimated to be available by the end of 2021.

Dr Babatunde Olowokure, WHO Regional Emergency Director for the Western Pacific, said although countries in the Western Pacific region had done better than other regions, behavioural and policy lapses are leading to surges.

“This is mainly due to breaches, exemptions or relaxations, such as allowing the congregation of people in settings that are high-risk,” he said during at the virtual press conference of the 71st session of the Regional Committee today.

He said lockdowns won’t work unless it also came with “measures to suppress the virus,” such as social distancing, wearing masks, and practising good hygiene.

“There must be a number of control measures, which are all implemented together,”’ he said.

Dr Takeshi Kasai, regional director for the WHO-Western Pacific, told the press that governments would have to find a sustainable strategy when this happens as people become tired of following pandemic protocols.

“As long as the virus is circulating in the world, no country is safe. And there is no sign that the virus is going away quickly,” he said.

The steps include increasing vigilance to quickly detect, test and isolate cases, improve the public health system, and protecting the vulnerable.

He said businesses needed to find a way to operate while minimising risk, while the public needed to adopt preventative measures.

The onus, he added, was on governments to engage businesses and the public to work together, and reduce transmission.

“I know it is not easy to do. But the more we actively create the new normal, I think we can bring up those economies and people’s (livelihoods),” he said.

The WHO Western Pacific has recorded the lowest number of infections and fatalities so far, with some Pacific islands recording no cases. COVID-19 has sickened over 633,000 and killed more than 13,000 in the region.

This is the first time the WHO-Western Pacific Regional Committee members are meeting virtually. During their annual meeting, members expect to discuss a framework for immunisation, healthy ageing, and safe and affordable surgeries.

-- BERNAMA