DILI, 04 october 2021 (TATOLI)-World Health Organization Southeast Asia Region (WHO SEARO) called for greater efforts in the Southeast Asia Region to expand COVID-19 vaccination coverage among the elderly population who remain at the highest risk of severe illness and death due to the virus.
The recommendation was underlined by the Regional Director of WHO-SEARO through the WHO official portal in the commemoration of International Elderly Day last Friday,
“The older population continues to be particularly vulnerable in the ongoing pandemic. Protecting them from the deadly COVID-19 virus must be our priority. By vaccinating the elderly population as part of a high-risk group, countries can effectively reduce deaths and hospitalizations,” said Poonam Khetrapal Singh.
Singh said all countries in the SEARO region have prioritized the elderly population for COVID-19 vaccination since they launched the vaccination program. While some developed countries are moving towards fairly good coverage of their elderly population, concerted and focused efforts to increase elderly coverage will be needed in all countries in the Region to achieve high coverage to protect this vulnerable population: “As countries further accelerate COVID-19 vaccination, they must take a close look at all the issues affecting access to these life-saving vaccines for these highest-risk populations and address them,” said the Regional Director,”
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in preventing severe illness and death. Protecting the populations most at risk will not only help reduce the burden of disease but also limit its impact on the health system.
During the COVID-19 response, it is imperative to continue to protect and improve the health and well-being of the elderly, including by ensuring they have access to essential health services.
In the United Nations International Day of the Elderly, WHO also calls on countries and partners to intensify actions to promote healthy aging. All seniors must be empowered to fulfill their potential and live with dignity and equality in a healthy environment. It takes a holistic approach to health and well-being for older people, going beyond organ and disease-centric approaches.
“Digital equality for all ages” is the theme of this year’s United Nations International Day for the Elderly, which is particularly relevant for policymakers in health and health systems. Key innovations in telemedicine, m-health, and e-health initiatives – many of which are catalyzed or expanded by the pandemic – must be accessible to all elderly people.
He said such innovations should outlast the pandemic, accelerating efforts across the region to achieve universal health coverage. Improving equity in health – including equity for all ages – continues to be a key focus of the Region.
WHO reaffirms its commitment to ensuring all parents can become and do what they value – because health and well-being for all at all ages are critical to leaving no one behind, and achieving a more just, healthier Region and world for all.
In response to this, Timor-Leste as a member country has increased socialization for COVID-19 vaccination in all regions by deploying all ministerial members and ministerial secretaries to areas with the lowest vaccination rates.
According to vaccination data released by the Ministry of Health on Sunday (04/10), the vaccination rate in TL for the first stage has reached 60.5% and for the second stage, it has reached 37.6%.
TATOLI
