Let’s end the “collective amnesia” about COVID-19

Our “collective amnesia” about how serious the COVID-19 pandemic was should not prevent us from protect ourselves and our loved ones of the current spread of respiratory diseases as the northern hemisphere prepares for winter, the World Health Organization (WHO).

Coronaviruses such as COVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) “must be taken seriously” as they are especially dangerous for risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women and people suffering from existing or chronic illnesses. , insisted the regional office of the UN agency in Europe when launching a protection campaign throughout the region.

“Collective amnesia about COVID-19 has set in and this is worrying,” said its director, Dr. Hans Kluge. «It is understandable that people, communities and countries want to overcome the trauma of the pandemic years. However, COVID-19 is still among us and circulates along with other respiratory viruses.

European focus

Kluge noted that 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia continue to suffer up to 72,000 deaths from seasonal flu, representing about 20% of the global burden. «The vast majority of these deaths can be avoided», he said, adding that the most vulnerable “must be protected” through immunization with vaccines, which are proven to prevent disease and serious outcomes.

In the 28 days to September 22, health authorities in the WHO European region reported just over 278,000 cases of COVID-19 and 748 deaths, from Cyprus to Moldova and from Ireland to Russia. These figures are higher than those of any other region and are likely an underestimate, according to the UN health agency.

According to WHO data, COVID-19 has killed more than seven million people since the outbreak began in late 2019, with the most deaths recorded in the United States (1.2 million), Brazil (702,000), India (534,000) and Russia (403,000).

Unpredictable pathogens

“COVID-19 devastated every corner of the planet,” said Dr. Kluge. “mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) clade II emerged unexpectedly in Europe in 2022 and continues to circulate in the region, even as mpox clade I in Central and Eastern Africa has triggered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. “And RSV and flu will continue to circulate together more intensely in the coming months, especially with more people gathering indoors due to colder weather.”

National health authorities must fulfill its role of protecting vulnerable populationsthe senior WHO official continued, while urging more investment in public health to protect overburdened health workers.

New and existing viruses can “wreak havoc on health systems, economies and society,” Kluge warned, calling for regular and consistent surveillance and monitoring to “ensure we are prepared for the next major health emergency.” , whenever and wherever it occurs.

As part of a WHO public health campaign in Europe to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases, the UN agency noted that Key protective measures include:

• stay home when sick
• practice hand and cough hygiene
• ensure adequate ventilation
• Vulnerable population groups, which also include people with weakened immune systems and anyone who believes they may have contracted a respiratory virus, should wear a tight-fitting mask in crowded or closed spaces.

“Protection against respiratory viruses is the shared responsibility of governments and the entire society,” said the official. “Everyone must play their part in promoting a culture of care and solidarity with vulnerable people».