The World Health Organization (WHO) in response to COVID-19 pandemic has prepared a strategic preparedness and response plan to aid with strategic action.
The world as we know it, has undergone a paradigm shift due to the COVID-19 pandemic, brought about by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The regular lives of millions across the globe have come to a halt, with entire healthcare systems overwhelmed and economies crippled.
The WHO, in response to the pandemic has prepared a ‘strategic preparedness and response plan’ to aid in creation of operational plans and strategic action against the pandemic. The response plan, which is updated as soon as new information emerges, can be downloaded from the WHO website link mentioned below.
Although the recent technological advancements in areas of healthcare equipment, fast genetic analyses and digitization are playing a pivotal role in the detection and fight against COVID-19, they simply are not enough to eradicate the global pandemic in a short span.
Furthermore, the lack of any antiviral treatment or vaccine against the virus, as of yet means that the best way to combat the virus is to avoid infection and the provision of medical care to patients to help in alleviating the symptoms and enabling the body to recover on its own via supportive care.
As the virus can be rapidly and easily spread by infected, asymptomatic individuals, the best mode of curbing the spread is social distancing, which despite the severe economic drawbacks has shown to be most effective. Social distancing involves working from home, avoiding social gatherings and not leaving the house unless absolutely necessary.
Moreover, recommended measures towards infection prevention includes maintenance of physical distance from others, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inner elbow, frequently washing hands using soap and keeping unwashed hands away from the face. Soap has proven to be highly effective against the virus as it tears open the virus’ protective fat coating while the flow of water physically removes the virus from surfaces.
