WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the efforts made by some countries in dealing with the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak.
Tedros showed concerns over the actions of some countries that “don’t match the level of the threat we all face” during the WHO’s daily media briefing on COVID-19.
We are concerned that some countries have either not taken this seriously enough, or have decided there is nothing they can do,” Tedros said. “This is not a drill, this is not a time to give up, this is not a time for excuses, this is a time for pulling out all the stops.”
He also called for a more comprehensive approach involving all sectors of government to deal with the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
“The COVID-19 epidemic is a threat to every country, rich and poor. We are calling on every country to act with speed, scale, and a clear-minded determination,” Tedros said. “We want all countries to activate their emergency plans through the whole-government approach.”
Tedros’ comments follow a recent spike in the number of people infected worldwide, showing a lack of success in containing the virus internationally. So far, there are over 100,000 cases of COVID-19 infection worldwide and the death toll has already topped 3,400 victims.
Italy has been the hardest hit European country with nearly 4,000 cases confirmed and nearly 150 deaths; 41 of those deaths occurred between March 4-6. The country plans to ask for the EU budget for help to tackle the outbreak.
We're concerned that in some countries the level of political commitment & the actions that demonstrate that commitment don't match the level of the threat we all face. This is
NOT a drill
NOT the time to give up
NOT a time for excuses
This is a time for pulling out all the stops— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 5, 2020
Health ministers from around the EU have gathered in Brussels to discuss the distribution of medical supplies and equipment amid the quick-growing pace of the epidemic.
Brussels has already pledged €232 million for global efforts to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the WHO has already called for pandemic-level preparedness from the EU, which might indicate the bloc might have to step its efforts even further to combat the coronavirus in Europe.
