Thread by @WHO

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros. #coronavirus pscp.tv/w/cVCsfTI2MTAy…

"The #COVID19 pandemic is straining health systems in many countries.
The rapidly increasing demand on health facilities and #healthworkers threatens to leave some health systems overstretched and unable to operate effectively"-@DrTedros #coronavirus

"Previous outbreaks have demonstrated that when health systems are overwhelmed, deaths due to vaccine-preventable and treatable conditions increase dramatically"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"Even though we're in the midst of a crisis, essential health services must continue. Babies are still being born, vaccines must still be delivered, and people still need life-saving treatment for a range of other diseases"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"WHO has published guidelines to help countries balance the demands of responding directly to #COVID19, while maintaining essential health services"-@DrTedros bit.ly/3aq6CRg #coronavirus

"This includes a set of targeted, immediate actions to reorganize & maintain access to high-quality essential health services:
-routine vaccination
-care during 🤰 & childbirth
-treatment for infectious & noncommunicable diseases & mental health conditions
-🩸 services"-@DrTedros

"That incl. ensuring an adequate 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ to deal with the many health needs other than #COVID19.
We’re pleased by the 20K #healthworkers in 🇬🇧 who have offered to return to work & that other countries such as 🇷🇺 are involving medical students & trainees in the response"-@DrTedros

"To help countries manage the surge in #COVID19 cases while maintaining essential services, WHO has also published a detailed, practical manual on how to set up and manage treatment centres for COVID-19"-@DrTedros #coronavirus

"The manual covers setting up:
-screening & triage at health facilities, using a repurposed building or a tent
-community facilities to care for mild patients
-a treatment centre, by repurposing hospital wards or entire 🏥, or by setting up a new 🏥 in a tent"-@DrTedros

"The manual covers structural design, infection prevention & control measures & ventilation systems. This is a life-saving instruction manual to deal with the surge of #COVID19 cases that some countries are facing right now"-@DrTedros #coronavirus

"These facilities will also have longer-term benefits for health systems once the current #COVID19 crisis is over.
It’s also vital that countries have sufficient supplies of diagnostics, protective equipment and other medical supplies"-@DrTedros #coronavirus

"Ensuring free movement of essential health products is vital for saving lives & curbing the social & economic impacts of the #COVID19 pandemic"-@DrTedros #coronavirus

"Earlier today I spoke to trade ministers from the @g20org countries about ways to address the chronic shortage of personal protective equipment and other essential medical supplies"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1244617747155345408?s=20

"We call on countries to work with companies to:
-increase production
-ensure the free movement of essential health products
-ensure equitable distribution of those products, based on need.
Specific attention should be given to LMIC in Africa, Asia and Latin America"-@DrTedros

"In addition, WHO is working intensively with several partners to massively increase access to life-saving products, including diagnostics, personal protective equipment, medical oxygen, ventilators and more"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"We understand that many countries are implementing measures that restrict the movement of people.
In implementing these measures, it’s vital to respect the dignity and welfare of all people"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"It’s also important that governments keep their people informed about the intended duration of measures & to provide support for older people, refugees & other vulnerable groups"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"Governments need to ensure the welfare of people who have lost their income and are in desperate need of food, sanitation and other essential services"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"Countries should work hand-in-hand with communities to build trust and support resilience and #mentalhealth"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"Two months ago, WHO published the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, with an initial ask of USD 675 million to support countries to prepare for and respond to #COVID19"-@DrTedros #coronavirus

"We’re very grateful to the many countries & foundations who have contributed; more than USD 622M have been received so far & we would like to thank @KingSalman & the @KSRelief_EN for its contribution of USD 10M"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1244535208688435200?s=20

"We continue to be encouraged by the signs of global solidarity to confront & overcome this common threat.
The commitment of @g20org countries to work together to improve the production & equitable supply of essential products shows that the world is coming together"-@DrTedros

"Yesterday I sent a tweet with a single word: humility. Some people asked me why.

#COVID19 is reminding us how vulnerable we are, how connected we are and how dependent we are on each other"-@DrTedros #coronavirus

https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1244278887586115586?s=20

"In the eye of a storm like #COVID19, scientific and public health tools are essential, but so are humility and kindness.

With solidarity, humility and assuming the best of each other, we can – and will – overcome this together"-@DrTedros #coronavirus

The full briefing on #COVID19 by @DrTedros 👇
bit.ly/2Uu0ulu