Zika: UN health agency launches global response strategy; Member States briefed on outbreak
World Health Organization officials briefed United Nations Member States in New York today on the Zika virus outbreak that has been launched by an agency which had a goal to globally guide the international response to the spread of the virus and the neonatal malformations and neurological conditions associated with it. the strategy used bu them focuses on mobilizing and coordinating partners, experts and resources to help countries enhance surveillance of the Zika virus and disorders that could be linked to it, improve vector control, effectively communicate risks, guidance and protection measures, provide medical care to those affected and fast-track research and development of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Many funds have been made to help the organization to achieve their goal.
A doctor named Dr. Natela Menabde, the Executive Director of the WHO Office in New York, told Member during a briefing to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that currently 34 countries have contracted the Zika virus, mostly in the Americas and Caribbean, and seven reported an increase in cases of microcephaly.
According to Dr Natela ,Brazil has registered more than 4,700 suspected cases of microcephaly.
Zika is a virus transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. It was first discovered in 1947 in the Zika forest of Uganda.
