WHO has published a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Progress Report. The report highlights the progress made from 1 February to 30 June 2020 under the three objectives outlined in the Strategic Response and Reparedness Plan: scaling up international coordination and support, scaling up country preparedness and response by pillar and accelerating research and innovation. The report also discusses some of the key challenges faced, and provides an update on the resource requirements for the next phase of WHO’s response.

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In his regular media briefing, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros highlighted the high rates of COVID-19 in longterm care facilities, drawing attention to a recently published WHO policy brief. Dr Tedros also reminded us that COVID-19 is not only a disease that affectsthe elderly and that “young people must take the same precautions to protect themselves and protect others as everyone else. They can be leaders – they should be leaders and drivers of change.”

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The fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding COVID-19 was convened by the WHO Director-General on 31 July 2020. The Director-General declared that the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The recommendations from the Emergency Committee highlight the need for response effortsto continue over the long term.

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In the Amazonian region, ensuring access to health services for indigenous populations is a priority. WHO Regional Office for the Americas met virtually with representatives from indigenous organizationstogether with the Coordinator of the Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin (COICA) and called for the “strengthening of health care services in the Amazon through the provision of human resources, supplies and medical devices, including tests, as well as treatments and vaccines when they are available”.

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