Advertisement

WHO releases initial Zika virus response plan

AFP
AFP - [email protected]
WHO releases initial Zika virus response plan
Photo: AFP

The Geneva-based World Health Organization on Wednesday released its initial response plan to the Zika virus outbreak, launching a funding appeal for the $56 million operation.

Advertisement

The unprecedented outbreak of the virus, first discovered in Uganda in 1947, has become a global concern, with Zika now strongly suspected of causing two serious neurological disorders, microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
   
The UN's health agency said it needed $25 million to fund its own response plan, while an additional $31 million would support the work of key partners.
   
"The strategy focuses on mobilizing and coordinating partners, experts and resources to help countries enhance surveillance of the Zika virus and disorders that could be linked to it," a WHO statement said.
   
Other priorities are to control the populations of the mosquito species that carries Zika, as well as "communicate risks, guidance and protection measures, provide medical care to those affected and fast-track research and development of vaccines," testing and treatment, the statement added.
   
The outbreak has predominantly affected the Americas, with Brazil the hardest-hit country by far.
   
While Zika itself typically involves mild, flu-like symptoms, global anxiety has been driven by the likely link to likely link to microcephaly — which can cause severe birth malformations and defects — and Guillan-Barre, which can cause brain damage and even death.
   
WHO said it was it was financing its initial operations from an "emergency contingency fund".
   
The UN agency on February 1st declared the surge in cases of microcephaly and Guillain-Barre and their possible link to Zika an international public health emergency.

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also