2023-09-05-世界卫生组织-Virtual_press_conference_on_global_health_issues_transcript_–_6_September_2023_14页_134kb

Global Health Summary from WHO Virtual Press Conference (9 June 2023)

COVID-19 Outlook

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros highlighted concerning COVID-19 trends as the northern hemisphere approaches winter. Deaths and hospitalizations are rising in regions like Europe and Asia, despite limited data from only 43 countries. The EG.5 variant is growing, while XBB subvariants decline, and BA.2.86 has been detected. WHO monitors this variant for transmissibility and impact, urging at-risk individuals to get vaccinated and boosted if recommended. Surveillance is sparse, with only partial data on deaths and hospitalizations. COVID-19 remains a persistent threat, advocating for tools like vaccines, tests, and treatments, including through the C-TAP initiative. It is compared to other respiratory infections like flu and RSV, which also require attention, as health systems must handle multiple pathogens.

Other Health Emergencies

• Sudan: Faces a worsening humanitarian crisis with 65% of the population lacking access to health services. WHO supports 11 hospitals and rolls out mobile clinics due to attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 11 deaths and 38 injuries. Five million displaced, with health at borders severely impacted by outbreaks and malnutrition.
• Bangladesh: Experiences its worst dengue outbreak on record, with over 135,000 cases and 650 deaths, including 300 in August. WHO boosts surveillance, lab capacity, and clinical management amid climate change and El Niño factors.
• Nigeria: Dealing with a severe diphtheria outbreak, with 9,000 suspected cases and 307 deaths across 17 states. WHO assists with vaccination, surveillance, and antitoxin access, emphasizing routine vaccination to prevent future outbreaks.

Additional Discussions

• Influenza and Seasonal Viruses: mounting cases and strain on healthcare systems are noted, with limits on surveillance.
• Pandemic Treaty Negotiations: Member States are actively discussing a global agreement to enhance preparedness for future pandemics, with WHO advocating for collaboration and sustainable systems.
• Genomic Sequencing: WHO emphasizes the need for widespread, representative genomic monitoring to track variants, with calls for sustainability and integration into broader health systems to address emerging threats like arboviruses and climate impacts.

WHO concluded by thanking reporters and reiterating the importance of global solidarity and preparedness.