Monitoring covid-19 data across the life course
The proportion of reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity and deaths from COVID-19 illness has been low in children and it is estimated that those under 20 may be roughly as half susceptible to infection as those over 20 years of age. Pregnancy and childbirth do not increase the risk for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection, nor worsen the clinical course of COVID-19 compared with nonpregnant individuals of the same age. On the other hand the impact on older individuals has been heavy. Although most identified cases are self-limited mild illness, severe cases occur primarily among those aged over 60. Also, case-fatality rates are highest among older people. There is mounting evidence that suggests that the COVID-19 has disproportionately affected residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) worldwide, with high rates of morbidity, mortality and substantial health care cost.
The indirect impact of the COVID-19 may have a long lasting determinantal impact on overall health. Lack of access to and utilization of essential health services for pregnant women and children may reverse progress toward decreasing mortality of pregnant women and children. Young children, school age children, adolescents and their families face additional challenges as schools have been closed for long time periods and many bread winners have lost their source of employment. Older persons, especially those with chronic illnesses, may not be able to access needed care and medications.
In this area we show data on the direct impact of COVID-19 illness on women and children and older persons as well as data on the indirect impact, especially on essential services. We also provide information on policies that are in place in low and middle income countries to mitigate the disruption to services and information on modelling of indirect impacts.
Publications
Third round of the global pulse survey on continuity of essential health services during the COVID-19...
To better understand the extent of essential health service disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO has conducted three rounds of the Global...
Modelling the health impacts of disruptions to essential health services during COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a wide range of documented effects. It directly causes death and disability for some people infected. However,...
Second round of the national pulse survey on continuity of essential health services during the COVID-19...
To better understand the extent of disruptions to essential health services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in early 2021 WHO launched the second round...
Analysing and using routine data to monitor the effects of COVID-19 on essential health services: practical...
This practical guide can be used to help countries monitor and analyse the impact of COVID-19 on essential health services to inform planning and decision-making....
Pulse survey on continuity of essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic: interim report,...
The Pulse survey on continuity of essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic aimed to gain initial insight from country key informants...
Community-based health care is an essential part of primary care at all times; in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the distinct capacity of trusted...
This document builds upon the previous Regional Guidance 1 published on 17 April 2020, which provided high-level guidance to countries for continuing good...
Addressing Human Rights as Key to the COVID-19 Response
This document brings to attention key health and human rights considerations with regards to COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the importance of integrating...
Continuing essential Sexual Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health services during...
This document has been prepared to provide generic operational guidance to countries in the regions for preparing a continuity plan for maintaining good...
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