Dear Readers, the Year 2020 is considered as one of the fatal years in world history due to the spread of the Novel Corona Virus & the huge number of infections spread & death due to this deadliest disease. We all are free to live our life on our terms, but this Covid-19 time is not right to do the same. We must control ourselves and in who words become SMART to stop the spread of Covid-19 and save yourself and our loved ones. And in this pandemic all countries and major global organizations like World Health Organization (WHO) have contributed with best of their help by awareness and aids to lower the adverse impact of the Global covid 19 pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for promoting and coordinating international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has regional offices and country offices around the world. The organization’s primary mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
WHO’s core functions include setting international health standards, providing leadership on global health issues, conducting research, offering technical assistance to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends. Its work covers a wide range of health topics, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, nutrition, mental health, and environmental health.
Key Roles and Functions of WHO:
- Setting Global Health Standards: WHO develops international health regulations and sets standards for health policies, guidelines, and practices. For example, it provides recommendations on vaccination schedules, safety protocols for food and water, and more.
- Monitoring and Assessing Health Trends: The WHO monitors health trends and works with governments and health organizations to assess global health needs and challenges. Its data helps to track the progress of health goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: WHO helps countries develop their healthcare infrastructure, build capacity to respond to health emergencies, and strengthen health systems through technical expertise and resources.
- Promoting Health Research and Innovation: WHO conducts research and facilitates collaboration in medical research, health technologies, and innovation. It supports the development of new treatments and technologies, especially for neglected diseases.
- Coordinating International Response to Health Emergencies: WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to global health crises, such as pandemics, natural disasters, and humanitarian emergencies.
WHO’s Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, began in December 2019 and quickly spread worldwide, leading to a global health emergency. WHO played a central role in guiding the global response, providing expertise, coordinating efforts, and supporting countries in managing the crisis.
1. Early Detection and Declaration of a Public Health Emergency
On December 31, 2019, China reported cases of a pneumonia-like illness in Wuhan. WHO began monitoring the situation and received regular updates from the Chinese government. On January 30, 2020, WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), marking the first step toward coordinating a global response.
On March 11, 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, recognizing the worldwide spread of the virus and the urgent need for an internationally coordinated response.
2. Providing Guidance and Recommendations
WHO issued guidelines and recommendations to help countries manage the crisis. These included:
- Health protocols: WHO developed detailed guidelines for infection prevention and control (IPC), such as social distancing, mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and proper sanitization.
- Testing and diagnosis: It provided technical guidance on diagnostic testing and the importance of widespread testing to identify and contain the virus.
- Treatment protocols: WHO provided guidance for healthcare providers on treatment options, including the use of ventilators, oxygen therapy, and early management of COVID-19 symptoms.
- Vaccination guidelines: As vaccines became available, WHO played a key role in developing global standards for vaccine safety, efficacy, and distribution.
3. Coordinating the Global Supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Medical Supplies
At the onset of the pandemic, WHO worked to ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and diagnostics were distributed equitably around the world. The organization facilitated the creation of the COVID-19 Supply Chain System (COVID-19-SC), which helped deliver critical medical supplies to countries in need.
4. The COVAX Initiative
One of WHO’s key initiatives in response to the pandemic was the creation of the COVAX initiative, a global collaboration aimed at ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for lower- and middle-income countries. COVAX was led by the WHO, GAVI (the Global Vaccine Alliance), and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Through COVAX, WHO worked to secure vaccines and provide them to countries regardless of their income level, aiming to ensure no country was left behind in the fight against COVID-19.
5. Providing Technical Support to Countries
WHO provided technical support to national governments to help them respond effectively to the pandemic. This included training healthcare workers, improving testing infrastructure, enhancing contact tracing systems, and strengthening national response strategies.
- Health Systems Strengthening: WHO worked with countries to maintain essential health services during the pandemic, as many healthcare systems were overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases. The organization encouraged countries to maintain routine services for non-COVID illnesses, such as vaccination programs and maternal healthcare, which were at risk of disruption.
- Risk Communication and Community Engagement: WHO supported governments in communicating effectively with their populations, helping to spread accurate information about COVID-19, combat misinformation, and encourage public health measures like mask-wearing and vaccination.
6. Tracking and Reporting Global COVID-19 Data
WHO became the key authority in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating global COVID-19 data. The organization provided daily updates on case counts, deaths, and trends, offering vital information that helped governments and the public understand the scope of the pandemic.
WHO also tracked the development of COVID-19 variants, such as the Delta and Omicron variants, and offered advice on how countries could manage the risks posed by new mutations of the virus.
7. Mental Health Support
Throughout the pandemic, WHO recognized the toll that COVID-19 was taking on mental health. The organization provided guidelines and resources for addressing the mental health impact of the pandemic, particularly as it related to isolation, stress, grief, and anxiety. WHO emphasized the importance of supporting the mental well-being of healthcare workers, frontline responders, and the general public.
8. Research and Development
WHO was instrumental in coordinating global research efforts to understand COVID-19, its spread, and effective treatment options. It played a key role in the development of treatment protocols and facilitated clinical trials for potential treatments, including antivirals like Remdesivir and monoclonal antibody therapies. The organization also supported vaccine development and the sharing of scientific information across borders.
Challenges Faced by WHO During the COVID-19 Pandemic
While WHO made significant contributions to the global response, it also faced several challenges during the pandemic:
- Political Pressure: WHO was criticized by some governments, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic, for its handling of the outbreak in China. Some countries accused the organization of being too lenient in its assessments and responses. This led to calls for reforms within WHO and its leadership.
- Equitable Access to Vaccines: Despite the creation of COVAX, there were significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to vaccines, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Disparities in vaccine distribution and access remained a critical issue during the global vaccination drive.
The World Health Organization (WHO) played a crucial role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, from providing scientific guidance and policy recommendations to coordinating the equitable distribution of vaccines through the COVAX initiative. WHO’s leadership, along with its extensive network of member countries and partnerships, helped guide the world through one of the most significant public health crises in modern history.
While the pandemic highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of global health systems, WHO’s efforts in emergency response, research, and health coordination demonstrated the importance of international collaboration in tackling global health threats. As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO’s role in shaping the future of global public health remains indispensable.
WHO Covid-19 Prevention Guidelines :
WHO Recommendations for stopping Covid-19 Spread by making ourselves #READY, #SAFE, #SMART AND #KIND
#READY
WHO Says to become ready to fight the Pandemic of Covid-19 / Coronavirus which is affecting the whole world by following the guidelines and safeguard self and your loved ones
#SAFE
WHO Recommends identifying you and your loved one’s risk factor for Covid-19 Prevention,
Identify Cardiovascular Disease of self & Family
Identify respirator conditions of self and family
Identify Diabetes and other fatal disease in ourselves and Family
by #SAFE World health Organization recommends identifying the health situation of self and family, identify your immunity weakness and take the necessary care to make yourself more immune to fight with your disease and Covid-19 where above-diseased people have more threat of Corona Virus.
#SMART
WHO Recommends people to be smart because Covid-19 is very dangerous but with smartness, you can save from the infection. and how to be #SMART during Covid-19 spread as below
Follow accurate public health advice from the WHO Center & Local Healthcare Authority
Follow the news on Latest Covid-19 Update in your area.
To avoid spreading rumors & false information always check the source of information you are getting from and avoid sharing Un-sure information
#KIND
Stop yourself first from spreading rumors,
Show Empathy and safely help the infected Persons be a real Humankind
learn about the disease, Get information from Affected and Cured Persons and Health Experts. Pass on the Authentic Information and safeguard yourself and others from the Spread of Covid-19
World health Organization for Covid-19 Prevention asks to Adopt necessary & practical measures. Such as Regular Using Mask, Washing Hands, Bathing with Hot Water, Washing Cloth, Maintaining Hygiene, Avoid Social Gathering, Stop Spitting in Open Public Places, Support Local Authority Lockdown Norms, Follow Safe Shopping, and Seeking on time Medical Assistance.
The above advisory is very much necessary to stop the spread of Corona Virus and make our world standup be healthy & run again as like previous it was.
In addition to above always there is a need of following a Balanced Lifestyle and Hygiene to make safe for you and your loved ones. So, to prevent from Covid-19 Everybody must follow Body Hygiene, Social Distancing, Mask & Sanitizer Usage, Balanced & Immunity Incising Diet, and Daily Exercise.
Also, there is need of regular health inspection checkups and Medication by Expert Doctors to prevent from covid-19 Infections.
#StaySafeStayProtected
#Prevention from Covid-19
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