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What do you know about the novel Coronavirus that is causing a health emergency?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Watch this short video to find out more.
The COVID-19 pandemic is straining health systems worldwide
The rapidly increasing demand on health facilities and health-care workers threatens to leave some health systems overstretched and unable to operate effectively.
Previous outbreaks have demonstrated that when health systems are overwhelmed, disability and preventable mortality can increase dramatically.
“We must do our best to maintain continuity of essential health-care services while freeing up capacity for the COVID-19 response by training, repurposing and mobilizing the health workforce according to priority services,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “Those who are quarantined or isolated at home need to be supported, and some need specialized care services. This is a big challenge for all countries, I know, but one that we must tackle together so that no one is left behind.”
World Alzheimer’s Day 2019 – breaking stereotypes and myths
Among older people in the European Region, dementia is the leading cause of dependency and disability, affecting around 10 million people. A lack of awareness and knowledge about dementia is prevalent in many countries, and this results in stigmatization and barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. As part of a coherent plan, therefore, countries need to scale up public awareness and advocacy to reduce discrimination and improve the quality of life for people living with or affected by dementia. This year’s World Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place on 21 September, is specifically focused on breaking the stereotypes and myths that surround a dementia diagnosis.