Rohit Shishodia   

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over lack of adequate measures taken by some countries to contain the transmission of coronavirus. The WHO has informed that the epicentre of the virus remains in the Americas, where more than 50% of the world’s cases have been recorded.

WHO DG Dr Tedros Adhanom said, “Let me be blunt, too many countries are headed in the wrong direction. The virus remains public enemy number one, but the actions of many governments and people do not reflect this. The only aim of the virus is to find people to infect. Mixed messages from leaders are undermining the most critical ingredient of any response.”

“If governments do not clearly communicate with their citizens and roll out a comprehensive strategy focused on suppressing transmission and saving lives. If populations do not follow the basic public health principles of physical distancing, hand washing, wearing masks, coughing etiquette and staying at home when sick, if the basics aren’t followed, there is only one way this pandemic is going to go. It’s going to get worse and worse and worse,” he explained.

“But it does not have to be this way. Every single leader, every single government and every single person can do their bit to break chains of transmission and end the collective suffering,” said Dr Adhanom.