WHO Information Note: Ensuring continuity of TB services during the COVID-19 pandemic
20 March 2020 | GENEVA: As the world comes together to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that essential health services and operations are continued to protect the lives of people with TB and other diseases or health conditions. Health services, including national programmes to combat TB, need to be actively engaged in ensuring an effective and rapid response to COVID-19 while ensuring that TB services are maintained.
In the lead- up to World TB Day, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,
WHO Director-General emphasized in a news release,
“COVID-19 is highlighting just how vulnerable people with
lung diseases and weakened immune systems can be. The world
committed to end TB by 2030; improving prevention is key to
making this happen.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Programme, along
with WHO regional and country offices, has developed an
information note, in collaboration with stakeholders. This note is intended to
assist national TB programmes and health personnel to urgently
maintain continuity of essential services for people affected
with TB during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by innovative
people-centred approaches, as well as maximizing joint support
to tackle both diseases.
“We stand in solidarity with those affected by COVID-19
and those at the frontlines of the fight to combat the
disease,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the WHO
Global TB Programme. “We need to act with urgency to
ensure that in line with our vision of Health for All, no one
with TB, COVID-19 or any health condition will miss out on the
prevention and care they need. It’s time for
action.”
Source:
WHO
