The World Health Organisations (WHO) has called on nations not to be too quick in lifting lockdown policies implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, made this call at COVID-19 media briefing on Friday April 3.
The DG stressed that if countries lift restrictions in haste “the virus could resurge and the economic impact could be even more severe and prolonged.”
He added that, “Financing the health response is, therefore, an essential investment not just in saving lives, but in the longer-term social and economic recovery."
He further encouraged nations to focus on three important areas; " the implementation of core public health measures, the strengthening of health workers’ welfare and the removal of financial barriers to healthcare for all citizens".
“If people delay or forego care because they can’t afford it, they not only harm themselves, they make the pandemic harder to control and put society at risk,” Ghebreyesus said.
He later urged governments to “consider using cash transfers to the most vulnerable households to cushion the effect of the pandemic.
“This may be particularly important for refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants and the homeless.” he added.
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