15 Feb 2023 Your key COVID-19 report
Weekly Epidemiological Update
15 February 2023
Globally, over 6.7 million new cases and over 64 000 deaths were reported in the last 28 days (16 January to 12 February 2023), a decrease of 92% and 47%, respectively, compared to the previous 28 days. As of 12 February 2023, over 755 million confirmed cases and over 6.8 million deaths have been reported globally.
In this edition, we include:
- The COVID-19 epidemiological update at the global and the regional levels
- An update on the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) and Omicron subvariants under monitoring
- An update on hospitalizations and ICU admissions related to COVID-19
Donors making a difference in earthquakes and other complex health emergencies
Member States’ contributions to the WHO's Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) enabled us to release US$16 million for supplies, starting the response to the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes within hours.
As the earthquake struck in Türkiye and Syria, WHO was already responding to an unprecedented number of complex health emergencies. Read about work in the context of emergencies in Somalia, South Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Pakistan, Libya, Afghanistan, and the occupied Palestinian territory as we tackle acute malnutrition, drought, polio, yellow fever, maternal, newbown, child and adolescent health, noncommunicable diseases, mental health and others.
WHO's Contingency Fund for Emergencies
In the last quarter of 2022, US$15 million was released from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) enabling WHO to respond to cholera outbreaks in Lebanon and Malawi; explosions in Somalia; conflict in Armenia; acute kidney injury in the Gambia; the continuing emergency in the Sahel and Sudan; and the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Uganda.
Monthly Operational Update
January
The Monthly Operational has broadened its scope and now features articles on WHO’s work in all health emergencies, inclusive of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
In this edition of the Monthly Operational Update, highlights of country-level actions and WHO support to countries include:
- Uganda declares end of outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV).
- Cholera further exacerbates vulnerabilities in the Syrian Arab Republic.
- Community health workers on the frontline of Haiti’s cholera response.
- Afghanistan vaccinates 5.36 million children against measles and 6.1 million children against polio in a nationwide campaign.
- WHO’s global analysis of COVID-19 intra-action reviews: consolidating national experiences to encourage peer learning.
- The Marshall Islands’ Medical Assistance Team trains to rapidly respond during emergencies.
- WHO/Europe supports the strengthening of North Macedonia’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre through a table-top simulation exercise.
- PAHO/WHO facilitates the installation of genomic surveillance in Honduras.
- WHO supports Sudan to assess oxygen access and identify gaps.
- WHO and the Polish Statistical Office publish results from an unprecedented survey, helping to understand health needs of Ukrainian refugees in Poland, and informing public health action.
- The Republic of Indonesia and WHO agree to strengthen health emergency operational readiness and emergency medical teams in countries.
- EWARS in a box: Supporting Syndromic Surveillance of La Mojana Flood Response, Colombia.
- Three years of pandemic preparedness and response learning: reaching learners across the world with life-saving health knowledge.
- WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE): Saving lives through rapid interventions.
- WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal 2023: responding to health emergencies across the world.
WHO's Health Emergency Appeal 2023
WHO needs US$ 2.54 billion to provide help and respond to the urgent needs of the most vulnerable amongst a record 339 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Many are at risk of serious health threats, including disease outbreaks, nutritional crises, and lack of access to essential medical services, The funds will enable WHO to respond to 54 ongoing emergencies, 11 of which are Grade 3.
Revisit the launch event - Read the press release - Go to the appeal
Five WHO priorities for the coming five years
Read more stories of work in countries around the world in support of the COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan 2021.
Thanks to all donors and partners contributing to the WHO COVID-19 response.
This email aims to keep you informed about WHO's work to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and showcase stories of impact made possible thanks to the contributions of our donors and partners. Help us improve it by sharing your feedback to WHO media.
