2021-12-12-世界卫生组织-Weekly_operational_update_on_COVID-19_-_13_December_2021_13页_918kb

Summary of the Document

Core Content

The document provides an overview of the global response to the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern, highlighting key developments in variant surveillance, vaccination efforts, emergency preparedness, and WHO's funding and logistics mechanisms. It also includes information on emergency medical teams (EMTs) in the Pacific region, contact tracing initiatives in Honduras, and laboratory capacity-building in Kazakhstan.

Key Updates on Omicron (B.1.1.529)

• Designation as VOC: Omicron was designated a Variant of Concern (VOC) by the WHO on 26 November 2021, following its identification in November 2021.
• Growth Advantage: Preliminary evidence suggests that Omicron has a growth advantage over Delta, possibly due to immune evasion or increased transmissibility.
• Diagnostic Impact: PCR and antigen-based tests are not significantly affected by Omicron, though some S gene-targeting PCR assays may yield false negatives due to a deletion in the S gene.
• Clinical Severity: Limited data indicates Omicron may be less severe than Delta, but inherent virulence remains unclear.
• Global Risk: Despite potential lower severity, the overall risk remains high due to its transmissibility and possible immune escape, which could lead to further surges.
• WHO's Role: WHO is working with global researchers to assess transmissibility, severity, vaccine and diagnostic performance, and treatment effectiveness of Omicron.

WHO Supports Uganda with Testing Kits

• Test Kits Provided: WHO provided 3,360 test kits to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for genotyping of variants of concern, including Omicron.
• Purpose: These kits aim to screen for Omicron, identify the Delta variant, and prioritize genomic sequencing.
• Government Measures: Uganda has implemented intensified surveillance at entry points, accelerated vaccination campaigns, and adherence to SOPs to curb Omicron importation.

Contact Tracing in Honduras

• Survey Conducted: A knowledge survey on contact tracing was conducted in four municipalities with high case incidence.
• Target Group: The survey included 1,148 individuals aged 18–19 years.
• Objective: To support communication interventions and refresher training for journalists on contact tracing and preventive measures.

Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) in the Pacific

• EMT Establishment: Several Pacific countries have established national EMTs, including FEMAT (Fiji), SOLMAT (Solomon Islands), TEMAT (Tonga), VanMAT (Vanuatu), and KukiMAT (Cook Islands).
• Training Support: WHO and partners provided 11-week online webinars to support EMT development and operationalization in the Pacific region.
• Remote Support: Training and technical assistance are ongoing, with plans to resume face-to-face sessions once travel restrictions ease.
• Donor Support: The Governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States have supported the EMT initiative in the Pacific.

WHO's Global Supply Chain and Operations Support

• PPE and Diagnostic Supplies: WHO and partners have shipped over 21 million PCR tests, over 99 million gloves, over 215 million medical masks, and other PPE and laboratory items globally.
• Supply Chain System: The WHO/PAHO Supply Chain System ensures market access for low- and middle-income countries.
• Data as of 4 December 2021: The table shows the distribution of supplies across WHO regions, including Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South East Asia, and Western Pacific.

Funding and Appeals

• Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) 2021: WHO has received US$1.29 billion out of a US$1.9 billion total requirement as of 8 December 2021.
• Funding Shortfall: A 34.1% shortfall remains, which could hinder vaccination, surveillance, and acute response efforts.
• New Appeal (ACT-Accelerator): WHO appeals for US$23.4 billion until September 2022, with US$1.57 billion required for its role in the ACT-Accelerator.
• Disbursed Funds:
  • $169 million to WHO for essential commodities and coordination.
  • $10 million to CEPI for vaccine R&D.
  • $10 million to UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP for various humanitarian and health initiatives.
  • $5 million to UNRWA for refugee populations.
  • $2.6 million to Scout Movement for youth development.

Additional Highlights

• OpenWHO Platform: Over 6 million users have accessed online training courses across 39 topics and 58 languages.
• Influenza and Pandemic Response: WHO has launched a free online course on influenza prevention and control, targeting health workers and stakeholders.
• Global Laboratory Capacity: WHO has been strengthening laboratory systems in Kazakhstan to improve HTP diagnostics and genomic sequencing.
• COVAX Vaccines: Over 146 million doses have been received by the Philippines, with over 50 million more expected. The COVAX Facility has shipped over 610 million vaccines to 144 participants as of 6 December 2021.

Useful Resources

• GOARN: For updated network activities.
• EMT Network: For EMT updates.
• WHO Case Definitions: For public health surveillance.
• WHO Clinical Case Definitions: For post-COVID-19 conditions.
• EPI-WIN: WHO's Information Network for Epidemics.
• Regional Offices: Information on WHO's regional response efforts.

Conclusion

The document underscores WHO's global efforts to monitor and respond to the Omicron variant, strengthen laboratory capacities, support vaccination initiatives, and enhance emergency preparedness through EMTs and training programs. It also highlights the importance of funding to sustain these efforts and the ongoing collaboration with international partners and local governments.