COPENHAGEN: The World Health Organisation’s European office warned on Thursday that to keep other infectious diseases in check, vaccination programmes must remain a priority even during the coronavirus pandemic.
The warning came as the UN body noted that while the spread of the novel coronavirus seemed to be "plateauing in western Europe, the gradient of the epi-curve steepens as we look east".
"Immunisation services are essential. If they have been interrupted, catch-up measures must be taken as quickly as possible," WHO regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, told a press conference.
"We cannot allow the impact of Covid-19 to be amplified by neglecting other vital health protection measures," Kluge added.
WHO’s European branch was particularly concerned about a resurgence of measles, which affected 6,000 people on the continent in the first two months of this year.
"Immunisation has never been more important," said Siddhartha Datta, programme manager for vaccine-preventable diseases and immunisation at WHO Europe.
"Measles and other infectious diseases are very much here amongst us and the time to prevent them is now," Datta added. To this end, countries need to ensure that health systems are set up to be able to work in parallel to those dedicated to the care of those suffering from Covid-19.
The World Meteorological Organisation flag. — AFP FileGENEVA: Global temperatures hit record highs last year, and...
This image shows the outside view of the U.S. Senate. — AFP/FileWASHINGTON: Billions of dollars in foreign aid for...
Each year, many African migrants brave the perilous “Eastern Route” across the Red Sea and through war-scarred...
State Department US building can be seen in this picture. — AFP/FileWASHINGTON: The U.S. State Department’s annual...
Donald Trump. — AFP/FileNEW YORK: The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial on Tuesday warned...
Abortion-rights activists hold a protest on April 17 in Phoenix. — AFP WASHINGTON: The idea of a doctor in the...