The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern on Wednesday, November 22, about an increase in respiratory diseases in China and asked the population “to take action” protection.
“WHO has made a formal request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia outbreaks reported among children”indicates the press release published on X, the authenticity of which was confirmed to Agence France-Presse (AFP) by a spokesperson for the organization, who recommends following “measures to reduce the risk of respiratory disease”.
These measures, already hammered out during the Covid-19 pandemic, include vaccination, distancing from patients, staying at home in the event of symptoms, tests and treatment if necessary as well as wearing a mask. it is appropriate, good ventilation of the premises and washing of hands.
After Beijing and Chinese media reported a rise in respiratory illnesses, including outbreaks of undiagnosed pneumonia among children in northern China, the WHO on November 22 called for “additional epidemiological and clinical information, as well as laboratory results on these reported outbreaks in children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism”.
The WHO and the difficult relationship with China
The organization “also requested additional information on recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2 [le virus qui donne le Covid-19], RSV – which affects infants – and the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, as well as the degree of congestion in the health system”further specifies the press release.
WHO is connecting with clinicians and scientists through its existing technical partnerships and networks in China.
The UN organization indicated that Chinese authorities attributed this increase in respiratory illnesses to the lifting of restrictions linked to Covid-19 and the circulation of known pathogens.
During a press briefing on November 13, they highlighted the need to improve disease surveillance in health establishments and community settings, as well as to strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for patients. , recalls the WHO.
The WHO gave no indication of China’s response to the request for information. She had repeatedly criticized Beijing for its lack of transparency and cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic, the first cases of which appeared in China at the end of 2019. This lack of cooperation had already been denounced by the WHO but also many other countries during the investigation carried out to determine the origins of the pandemic and which has still not led to a definitive conclusion.