WHO chief praises Saudi Arabia for coronavirus measures during Hajj

Thursday, July 30, 2020

GENEVA — The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu, commended Saudi Arabia on the steps it has taken to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims during this year’s Hajj.

He praised the coronavirus measures taken by the Kingdom, noting that it is a perfect example of what countries could do in order to adapt themselves to the new situation and coexist with the virus and protect the lives of people.

He also congratulated Muslims all over the world on the advent of Eid Al-Adha.

WHO chief also said that the coronavirus pandemic does not mean that life should stop, rather we need to learn to coexist with it while protecting ourselves and others from it.

Adhanum announced in a press conference the establishment of a technical advisory group consisting of 22 experts from 16 countries, with expertise in several fields such as psychology, behavior science, social science, neuroscience, economics of behavior and social marketing. He said that the advisory group will provide the organization with advice to advance the response to the pandemic.

WHO chief added that the countries have asked their citizens to understand the danger that surrounds them because of the pandemic, and every country is using a set of tools that are appropriate for local communities, noting that enacting laws and imposing fines may be effective in combating the spread of infection.

He explained that 40 percent of coronavirus-related deaths in a number of developed countries occurred in health facilities.

WHO chief called for the protection of the most vulnerable segments of the society like the elderly, noting that young people are also not safe from the virus and may be afflicted with the serious disease.


Source: https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/596152/SAUDI-ARABIA/WHO-chief-praises-Saudi-Arabia-for-coronavirus-measures-during-Hajj