WHO warns vaccination programs at risk

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the effects of the pandemic on the provision of routine immunization services could put the lives of nearly 80 million children under the age of 1 at risk as vaccine programs in 68 countries could be hindered. Health officials warned that more than half of 129 countries where immunization data were available reported moderate, severe or total suspensions of vaccination services during March and April.

Geneva: The World Health Organization and UNICEF on Friday warned that worldwide vaccination programs for diseases like Ebola, Meningitis, Measles and Polio could be at risk due to the new coronavirus pandemic, and urged world governments to act.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the effects of the pandemic on the provision of routine immunization services could put the lives of nearly 80 million children under the age of 1 at risk as vaccine programs in 68 countries could be hindered.

In a new report issued on Friday, health officials warned that more than half of 129 countries where immunization data were available reported moderate, severe or total suspensions of vaccination services during March and April.

“We cannot let our fight against one disease come at the expense of long-term progress in our fight against other diseases,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director.

Besides, a blow to immunization infrastructure may affect the rollout of a potential COVID-19 vaccine, according to Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, who said a possible rollout "represent our best chance of defeating this epidemic when they are ready."

WHO said it would issue advice next week to countries on how to continue providing vaccination services safely during COVID-19.

(With inputs from AP)