Thread by @WHO

LIVE: @DrTedros at the @WHOEMRO 67th Regional Committee 👇

https://twitter.com/WHOEMRO/status/1315560664514002945

"I offer:
-my deep condolences to all Member States of the Eastern Mediterranean for the loss of life you have suffered during the #COVID19 pandemic
-my deep thanks & admiration to your #healthworkers, who have put themselves in harm’s way in the service of others"-@DrTedros

"And I offer my commitment that WHO will continue to work with you and support you to end the #COVID19 pandemic and build back better"-@DrTedros

"The #COVID19 pandemic has upended our health systems, societies & economies. Although most @WHOEMRO Member States are not among the worst-affected, your region has suffered in many ways. The social and economic consequences of the pandemic are severe"-@DrTedros

"#COVID19 cases are increasing in the @WHO_EMRO region, and all countries must remain vigilant. The virus is still circulating and most people remain susceptible.

Hard-won gains can be easily lost"-@DrTedros

"As cases increase across the region, WHO is urging countries to focus on 4⃣essential priorities:

1⃣prevent amplifying events. All around the world, explosive #COVID19 outbreaks have been linked to gatherings at stadiums, nightclubs, places of worship and other crowds"-@DrTedros

"2⃣protect the vulnerable, to save lives and reduce the burden on the health system of severely- and critically-ill patients"-@DrTedros #COVID19

3⃣educate & empower communities to protect themselves & others:
Physical distancing
#HandHygiene
Respiratory etiquette
Masks
can all help to curb #COVID19 transmission & save lives – not in isolation, but together"-@DrTedros

"4⃣, persist with the public health basics: find, isolate, test & care for cases, & trace & quarantine their contacts.

Countries that do these 4⃣things, & do them well, can prevent or contain widespread transmission & avoid having to reimpose so-called lockdowns"-@DrTedros

"The effects of the #COVID19 pandemic will be long-lasting and far-reaching. We still have an enormous challenge in front of us to bring this virus under control. But the even bigger challenge will be what we do after the pandemic ends"-@DrTedros

"The #COVID19 pandemic has illustrated that now more than ever, investing in health is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do"-@DrTedros

"The #COVID19 pandemic has highlighted that healthy populations, universal health coverage and health security are inseparable"-@DrTedros #HealthForAll

"#COVID19 will end. But we have a shared responsibility to our children & our children’s children to leave the 🌍 better prepared for the next pandemic.
This is a scientific & technical challenge. But more than that, it’s a test of character"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

"The keys to defeating #COVID19 are unity and solidarity.

That is true in families, neighbourhoods and communities, and it’s true at the regional and global level"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

"When we act out of self-interest, we provide an opportunity for the virus to spread. When we act in solidarity, the virus can be stopped.

The stakes have never been higher. But nor has the prize: a healthier, safer, fairer & more sustainable 🌍"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #ACTogether