Cases in the region are down from the previous week, but there is a significant risk of more severe cases and death due to low vaccination rates in Ukraine and among more than two million people who have fled the country for surrounding areas. regions also with low vaccination rates. The vaccination rate for Covid-19 in Ukraine is about 34%, while in neighboring Moldova it is about 29%, according to Our World in Data.
“Unfortunately, this virus will take advantage of opportunities to spread further,” Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead for Covid-19, said during a briefing on Wednesday. “As an organization, we understand that countries are in very different situations, they face different problems. There is a lot of displacement and refugees associated with this crisis.”
Also on Wednesday, Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said there would be “no doubt” an increase in Covid-19 cases in Ukraine. He attributed the projected increase to a lack of testing, a cessation of vaccination, and a stressed, war-weary population with already low vaccination rates.
Ryan added that the world should avoid the stereotypes of refugees and disease.
“Let’s be very careful with our rhetoric, because it always comes up,” he said, “that people fleeing the horrors of war are somehow going to bring things with them. to deal with it, and the Ukrainian refugees are not going to change the scale on this.”
Sunday’s report said the WHO has procured therapeutics for Covid-19 and recommends vaccination campaigns and increased surveillance for Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.
Hungary is providing free Covid-19 vaccines to Ukrainian refugees, and the WHO has also offered laboratory support, including testing for Covid-19.
The Romanian Ministry of Health has sent medical teams to test and vaccinate against Covid-19 Ukrainians who have fled their country.
Covid-19 treatment is provided free of charge in Slovakia. Vaccinations against Covid-19 are also free in Moldova for Ukrainians thanks to the Ministry of Health for testing and monitoring Covid-19, among other diseases.
In a joint statement with UNICEF and UNFPA, WHO called for an end to attacks on Ukraine’s health systems. As of Sunday, 31 attacks on medical facilities have been confirmed, with more suspected.
“Humanitarian partners and health workers must be able to safely support and strengthen the provision of essential health services, including immunizations against Covid-19 and polio, and the supply of life-saving medicines to civilians throughout Ukraine, as well as to refugees crossing neighboring countries. “, the WHO said in a statement. “Medical services should be systematically available at border crossings, including rapid assistance and referral processes for children and pregnant women.”