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WHO: Second Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan on COVID-19 to be disclosed in upcoming days

10 April 2020 15:16 (UTC +04:00)

"Our second Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan regarding COVID-19 that will be disseminated in the upcoming days will assess the sources necessary for the implementation of national and international strategies at the next phase of the response to this pandemic. We haven’t yet witnessed the blow that could be launched by COVID-19 on more sensitive countries. We are ready to try our best in order to prevent the occurrence of this," said the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adanom Gebreyesus at the extraordinary Summit of the Turkic Council held through videoconferencing which is held on the initiative of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, APA reports.

Mr. Gebreyesus said this pandemic is a greater calamity than a health crisis, and it requires a response by all governments and communities: "During the recent 100 years, COVID-19 demonstrated its potential by the example of the damage caused to rich, developed countries”,

According to the Director-General since the moment of the start of spreading of COVID-19 at the global level, the leaders of the member countries of the Turkic Council have been cooperating closely: “This cooperation includes distribution of medical supplies, provision of humanitarian aid and test kits, exchange of clinical experience and medical support. Since the moment of emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO has also sent to the Turkic Council countries the individual protective devices and test kits.

Though each of your countries live different stages of the disease, everyone should keep the same points in focus: to expand efforts to minimize the impact of the epidemic on health systems, social services, and economic activity. Restrictive social measures just give us time. Stopping the spread of coronavirus, conducting tests, isolation, caring and monitor each infection require comprehensive strategy. At the same time, equal access of vulnerable groups to health services is important. Access to vital health services should be provided to all during COVID-19. Otherwise, it will be more difficult to manage the situation and everyone will be at risk."

General Director stated that national strategies should be supported in 5 main directions at international level and noted that these directions are in the focus of the WHO: “These directions are to support countries for preparation, to prepare epidemiological analysis and risk communication, coordination of supply chain, to provide technical expertise and mobilize medical staff, research, innovation and knowledge exchange. We should continue and develop the cooperation you have already demonstrated among yourselves for stopping the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all together in this issue and we still have a long way to go. We will eliminate this common threat only with solidarity and determination."