COVID-19 – Health services in over 50 countries disrupted during pandemic

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – A survey by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) conducted over the summer across 77 countries found that almost 68 percent of countries reported at least some disruption in health checks for children and immunization services.

In addition, 63 per cent of countries reported disruptions in antenatal checkups and 59 per cent in post-natal care, according to a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) received by Indonesia Window here on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a recent WHO survey based on responses from 105 countries revealed that 52 per cent of countries reported disruptions in health services for sick children and 51 per cent in services for management of malnutrition.

Health interventions such as these are critical for stopping preventable newborn and child deaths.

For example, women who receive care by professional midwives trained according to internationals standards are 16 per cent less likely to lose their baby and 24 per cent less likely to experience pre-term birth, according to WHO.

“The fact that today more children live to see their first birthday than any time in history is a true mark of what can be achieved when the world puts health and well-being at the centre of our response,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

“Now, we must not let the COVID-19 pandemic turn back remarkable progress for our children and future generations. Rather, it’s time to use what we know works to save lives, and keep investing in stronger, resilient health systems,” he added.

Based on the responses from countries that participated in the UNICEF and WHO surveys, the most commonly cited reasons for health service disruptions included parents avoiding health centers for fear of infection; transport restrictions; suspension or closure of services and facilities; fewer healthcare workers due to diversions or fear of infection due to shortages in personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves; and greater financial difficulties.

Afghanistan, Bolivia, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Libya, Madagascar, Pakistan, Sudan and Yemen are among the hardest hit countries.

Reporting by Indonesia Window