As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, WHO remains active on many fronts–from delivering equipment and issuing guidelines, to fighting misinformation and protecting vulnerable populations. This week we highlight ongoing activities in countries around the world with WHO's support thanks to the vital funding from its many donors:
Leading the push for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for Africa
Story published on 4 February 2021 by WHO/AFRO.
COVAX has notified countries in Africa of the estimated dose allocation for the first phase of COVID-19 vaccine delivery. The global initiative led by WHO, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) aims to start shipping nearly 90 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the continent in February, in what is envisaged to be Africa’s largest-ever mass vaccination campaign.
This initial allocation of 90 million doses will enable the immunization of 3% of the African population most in need of protection, including health workers and other vulnerable groups, in the first half of 2021. As production capacity increases and more vaccines become available, it is expected that 20% of Africans will be vaccinated with up to 600 million doses by the end of 2021. WHO has been working towards equitable vaccine access throughout the pandemic.
Spreading accurate COVID-19 information in a hard-to-reach region in Uganda
Story published on 3 February 2021 by WHO/AFRO.
A WHO support team recently conducted a field visit to the shores of Lake Edward at Rwenshama Landing site, a flood battered hard-to-reach region in Uganda that previously faced an intense cholera outbreak. The WHO team was able to provide vital COVID-19 protection information and inform community leaders leaders about underlying health risks related to the virus. The team reported that community feedback was invaluable throughout the process. During the visit, WHO also provided a stock of infection prevention and
control material.
WHO works with Ghana to fight COVID-19
Story published on 3 February 2021 by WHO/AFRO. Dr Sally Ann Ohene (World Bank disease prevention & control Officer) presenting the equipment to Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu.
With Ghana currently facing an increase in cases of COVID-19, WHO continues to provide support to the country to reduce infection rates and mitigate the spread of virus.
WHO delivered a large stock of supplies to be distributed to the country’s treatment centres, the National Ambulance Service and some selected laboratories in regions with a high burden of COVID-19 cases. In addition to the supplies, the National Ambulance Service received funding from WHO to procure fuel to transport COVID-19 patients to designated facilities in the region. Additionally, 120 oxygen cylinders (with oxygen) were provided as part of the joint UN effort to the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to help manage the increase in severe and critical cases of COVID-19.
Also part of the supplies were 4 970 Gene Expert Cartridges, 15 000 KN 95 respirator masks, 32 patient monitors, shields, examination gloves, goggles, gowns, and medical masks thanks to support from the World Bank Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility.
Dismantling gender stereotypes to harness science’s full potential in Bangladesh
Story published on 10 February 2021 by WHO/SEARO.
As a woman, scientist, and mother, Dr Adneen Moureen is leading a hardworking team of 26 staff at the IEDCR Field Laboratory in Cox’s Bazar, supporting the response to COVID-19 in the world’s largest refugee camp.
Established three years ago, in response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, the IEDCR Field Laboratory in Cox’s Bazar has supported the early detection of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks and other communicable diseases. However, it was in early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was declared, that the laboratory became largely recognized as the only one testing COVID-19 samples coming from the entire Cox’s Bazar district, Bandarban district, the Rohingya community and parts of Chittagong division.
Following a request from IEDCR-Dhaka, WHO is currently supporting the expansion of the laboratory which will increase storage capacity as well as expand the processing and analysis of samples.
Read more about Dr Adneen Moureen and her work on the occasion of the recent International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
WHO supports
event to help
audio journalists provide COVID-19 information to the public in Nepal
Story published on 6 February 2021 by WHO/SEARO.
The Ministry of Health and Population of the Government of Nepal recently organized a webinar on the science behind COVID-19.
The webinar focused on subjects to improve reporting of COVID-19 and vaccinations, based on an accurate understanding of science and scientific evidence.
WHO supported the event including expertise and moderation. .
WHO joins Baby Shark to inspire children to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Published on 4 February 2021 by WHO/PAHO.
SmartStudy, the global entertainment company behind the beloved children’s brand, Pinkfong, is joining the WHO Regional Office for the Americas on a new public campaign to encourage small children and their parents to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by washing their hands often. Handwashing remains one of the most effective public health measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, along with social distancing and mask-wearing.
"Wash Your Hands" with Baby Shark, a Pinkfong global campaign created by SmartStudy, has attracted more than 39.3 million viewers worldwide on YouTube and generated more than 190 000 cover videos since its launch in March of last year. Its objective was to promote safe hand hygiene amongst kids in a fun way while encouraging them to wash their hands in the context of the global pandemic.
WHO/PAHO donates equipment to Bolivia and Suriname to improve COVID-19 patient care
Story published on 4 February 2021 by WHO/PAHO.
The WHO Regional Office for the Americas recently donated equipment to improve the treatment of COVID-19 patients and relieve pressure on its health system.
The 40 Oxygen concentrators donated will stop many patients from becoming critically ill and will help free capacity in intensive care units in the country.
WHO also donated patient monitors and non-invasive ventilators to hospitals in Suriname to support COVID-19 patients.
One year on WHO’s European Programme of Work has contributed to mitigating the pandemic
Story published on 3 February 2021 by WHO/EURO.
A year since being confirmed as WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge has overseen the endorsement by Member States of the European Programme of Work, 2020–2025 – “United Action for Better Health in Europe” (EPW), which has already had an impact on WHO/Europe’s response to the pandemic.
The EPW includes four flagship initiatives: behavioural and cultural insights, mental health, immunization, and digital health. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO/Europe has been leading the way, showing how these initiatives provide support and guidance during health emergencies, and can act as a catalyst for the work of the Regional Office and health authorities in the coming years.
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Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19 across the world.
Without the support of donors and partners, WHO would not be able to reach these countries in need and help them make it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO thanks all governments, organizations and individuals contributing to the COVID-19 response around the world, and in particular those who have provided fully flexible contributions, to ensure a comprehensive fight against the disease.
Afghanistan, African Development Bank Group, Africa Re Foundation, Asian Development Bank, Alwaleed Philanthropies, Ancash, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economica (BCIE), Bangladesh, Belize, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bulgaria, CAF- Development Bank of Latin America, Cameroon, Canada, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC United States of America), Central African Republic, Chad, China, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Côte d’Ivoire, COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, East African Community, Estonia, European Union, EU NEAR, European Commission, Fond d’Assistance Economique et Sociale (FAES), Finland, Fondo Mixto, France, Fundación Yamuni Tabush, Gabon, Gavi Alliance, Germany, Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Islamic Development Bank, Italy, Japan, King Baudouin Foundation, King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Center (KSrelief Saudi Arabia), Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Novartis, OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Pandemic Tech, Pilipinas, Shell Foundation, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Sandoz AG, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sony, Southern African Development Community, Spain, SRF, Standard Chartered Bank, Supply Chain Fund, Sweden, Switzerland, Tetra Pak Export FZE, Thailand, Ukraine, UN Agencies (IOM), UNDP Multii-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF), UNFCU, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United States of America, Viet Nam, Vital Strategies, World Bank, World Food Programme, Yemen.
Read more about donors and partners contributing to the COVID-19 response