2022-06-13-世界卫生组织-COVID-19_Other_Global_Health_Issues_Virtual_Press_conference_transcript_-_14_June_2022_13页_131kb

COVID-19 & Other Global Health Issues Press Conference Summary

Date: 14 June 2022

Key Points

1. COVID-19 Update

• Decline in cases and deaths reported globally, down over 90% from earlier peak.
• Concerns about underreporting due to reduced surveillance/testing.
• ~3.2 million cases and 8,737 deaths reported in the past week.
• Emphasis on public health tools (testing, sequencing, vaccines, masking, distancing) to combat the virus, especially with ongoing variants.
• Slow uptake of C-TAP licenses despite hopes for equitable access; call for stronger mechanisms to share intellectual property and data during emergencies.

2. Monkeypox Outbreak

• Over 3,100 cases reported in 39 countries; includes new, previously unaffected nations.
• No confirmed deaths in new cases, but risks remain high for at-risk groups (e.g., MSM).
• WHO Actions:
  • Draft guidance on smallpox vaccine use (temporary, clinically supported).
  • Fair access mechanism in development for vaccines and treatments.
  • Seeking new names for the virus to reduce stigma.
• Emergency Committee scheduled for June 23, 2022 under IHR to assess PHEIC risks.

3. Parkinson’s Disease

• WHO released a technical brief:
  • Global incidence of Parkinson’s is doubling.
  • Treatment gaps, especially in low/middle-income countries.
  • Priorities: policy, implementation, and research to improve access.

4. Horn of Africa Drought

• 30 million people face acute food insecurity due to the worst drought in 40 years.
• WHO Emergency Grade 3: Highest level, enabling coordination at country/regional HQs.
• Calls for full access to fuel, cash, and medical supplies into Tigray.

5. Ethiopia’s Tigray Crisis

• WHO reports critical needs for medicine, fuel, and staff; less than 5% of needs met.
• Urges governments to address blockade consequences and prevent future humanitarian disasters.

6. Acute Hepatitis in Children

• At least 704 probable cases of acute hepatitis (unknown cause) in 34 countries; most cases resolved, some severe.
• Ongoing studies: Several hypotheses being tested, including viral triggers.

7. Call for Action

• Vaccination: Continue urging global vaccine uptake, especially for high-risk groups.
• WHO Tools: Surveillance, contact tracing, isolation, and awareness campaigns remain critical.

8. Director-General’s Closing Remarks

• PHEIC for Monkeypox: Depends on EC assessment; concerns include geographic spread and virus evolution.
• WHO‘s Role: Coordinated response, equitable access to countermeasures, and transparency.

Takeaways

• COVID-19: Tools are available but access remains unequal; novel variants pose ongoing risks.
• Monkeypox: A concerning global outbreak requiring urgent action and naming reform.
• Health Equity: Addressing gaps in funding, research, and response for neglected diseases (e.g., monkeypox, Parkinson’s) remains critical.