WHO "South America Becoming New Epicenter of COVID-19"

WHO Warns of Measles and Polio Spread Due to Vaccine Supply Disruptions

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that South America is becoming a new epicenter of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 22nd (local time), Michael Ryan, WHO Executive Director for Emergency Preparedness and Response, expressed this concern during a virtual press briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, stating, "We have seen an increase in confirmed cases in many South American countries."

He also expressed concern about Brazil, which has the highest number of confirmed cases in South America, approving hydroxychloroquine, a malaria treatment, as a COVID-19 treatment. Ryan pointed out that the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine has not yet been proven.

Concerns were also raised about the situation in Africa. Ryan noted that confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 50% last week in nine African countries. He particularly highlighted worries about the shortage of necessary equipment for treating COVID-19 patients in Africa, such as intensive care units, medical devices, and ventilators.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted vaccine supply, raising the possibility of the spread of preventable diseases like measles and polio.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out, "At least 68 countries are facing difficulties in routine immunization services," adding, "(As a result) 80 million children under the age of one living in these countries could be affected."

He cited delays in vaccine delivery due to COVID-19, parents' reluctance to go out because of COVID-19, and shortages of healthcare workers as reasons for the constraints on vaccine supply.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.