WHO's Warning: "Russia's Invasion Definitely Increases COVID Spread"

On the 3rd (local time), Ukrainian women and children who fled to the southeastern Polish border city of Przemy?l are sleeping in cramped conditions at a temporary shelter set up at the train station.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Sumi Hwang] The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the spread of COVID-19 in Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

On the 11th (local time), according to CNN and other outlets, Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead, warned during a briefing that "the Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused significant movement, including refugees," adding, "this will provide opportunities for the COVID-19 virus to continue spreading."

In fact, more than 2 million people have already left Ukraine since the Russian invasion, with most crossing into Poland and Moldova. CNN reported that some activists in the region have witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Regarding Ukrainian refugees, activist Constanta Dohotaru, who is cooperating with the Moldovan government, told CNN, "Some volunteers helping refugees at the border or refugee centers have contracted COVID-19," and added, "Vaccination rates in Moldova and Ukraine are very low, so the pandemic continues."

According to the international statistics site Our World in Data (OWID), as of the 23rd of last month, one day before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the COVID-19 vaccination rates in Ukraine and Moldova were only 35% and 26%, respectively.

WHO team lead Kerkhove stated, "There are many refugees related to this crisis," and said, "We will continue to conduct COVID testing and vaccinations in cooperation with countries accepting refugees."

Mike Ryan, head of the WHO Emergency Response Team, said, "Vaccinations in Ukraine have stopped, and the existing vaccination rate is low, so there is no doubt that COVID-19 cases will increase," but he also urged, "We must be careful not to hold prejudice and stereotypes against refugees regarding COVID-19."

Voices warning of further COVID-19 spread in Europe due to the Russian invasion have also emerged. The fact that many European countries, including Poland, which borders Ukraine, are easing COVID-19 restrictions is considered a factor that could worsen the situation.

Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said in a briefing on the 8th, "Currently, COVID-19 cases and deaths in the European region are decreasing weekly," but he urged, "Countries must be prepared to quickly reintroduce public health measures if necessary."

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