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.