A NEW case study endorsing Bahrain’s preparedness in combating coronavirus (Covid-19) was highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief yesterday.
WHO director-general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, in a video message, summarised Bahrain’s experience as that of “preparedness, leadership and multi-sectoral collaboration”.
His message was telecast at the opening of a Press conference held at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research.
“I am pleased to present this new case study from Bahrain’s experience managing the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.
“It shows that preparedness, leadership and multi-sectoral collaboration are critical for a well-mannered response to health emergencies.”
#Bahrain contained #COVID19 due to early testing, high vaccination & continued provision of essential health services with a well-trained workforce. My thanks to His Royal Highness @BahrainCPnews, the Prime Minister, for his leadership & the whole government for their commitment. pic.twitter.com/4YZTOr40eq
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) July 5, 2022
He noted the prompt action of the leadership under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, by establishing the National Taskforce for Combating Covid-19 as soon as the first case of the virus was discovered in the kingdom on February 25, 2020.
“The government moved quickly, all citizens and residents in Bahrain were given access to free testing and treatment,” he noted.
“Prevention, preparedness and response activities were implemented swiftly in the whole of the government, all of society approach with support from WHO.
“Bahrain contained the spread of the disease, thanks to early testing, high vaccination coverage and the continued provision of essential services with a well-trained workforce.
“At the same time, Bahrain managed a number of challenges during its response, including repurposing the workforce, acquiring sufficient protective equipment and outreach to vulnerable populations.
“As cases have been on the rise lately, continued vigilance is needed – my thanks to the Bahrain government for sharing its experiences and we hope that the lessons from Bahrain’s experience will be useful for other countries in the EMRO.”
Subsequently, WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) director Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari who is visiting Bahrain and Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayed addressed the Press.
Dr Al Mandhari referring to Bahrain as his “second home” expressed delight at his visit to “celebrate” the country’s case study report on Covid-19, ranking it among the top countries globally.
He elaborated his observations during his earlier visit to the kingdom amidst the pandemic underlining the country’s commitment to advancing and developing strategies to tackle the virus spread.
He lauded the “positive spirit” of the frontline workers who, he stressed, proudly served their country and saved lives of fellow human beings regardless of their nationalities.
“They are the real heroes in Covid-19,” he said.
Dr Al Sayed receives Dr Al Mandhari
“In response to the recommendation from the WHO, the government developed a comprehensive strategy on all sectors to respond to Covid-19 in an integrated and co-ordinated manner.
“I would like to praise the health system which successfully provided essential services to all people regardless of their race or nationality.
“Bahrain is a great example for the best practices and that’s why we’re here today – not just to recognise the efforts of the kingdom, but also to ensure that the successful experience is highlighted.
“This report reminds that we together can combat epidemics and the need for sharing resources and experiences in implementing our vision for 2030.”
Dr Al Sayed noted the “one spirit” approach of Team Bahrain under the royal directives in collaboration with WHO helped Bahrain to continue achieving the desired goals.
She underlined the role of the task force under Supreme Council for Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Khalifa which she said, helped in changing “challenges into opportunities”.
“We are proud to be one of the first countries to be documented by the WHO in a case study report that will be shared with all the countries internationally.
Dr Al Mandhari during his meeting with Lt Gen Dr Shaikh Mohammed
“The efforts of Bahrain to combat Covid-19 as witnessed by WHO shows the commitment of Bahrain to sharing its experience to let other countries benefit from this experience.”
She also detailed Bahrain’s specific strategies and action plans in line with international plans which included the successful TTT – Track, Trace and Test – method, the national vaccination campaign offering free vaccines to citizens and residents, ensuring quarantine facilities, digital bracelets, providing all information, promoting medical research and awareness measures.
She reiterated that the pandemic did not affect Bahrain’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the 17 ambitious United Nations’ global goals towards a sustainable future.
Meanwhile, Dr Al Sayed received Dr Al Mandhari, in the presence of the Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea, and commended the pivotal role played by EMRO to support the health systems of the region’s countries.
“Bahrain will continue consolidating its partnership with WHO to achieve common health goals,” she said.
Dr Al Mandhari later met Lt Gen Dr Shaikh Mohammed, who lauded the fruitful role played by the WHO EMRO, which he said, contributed to successfully implementing prominent joint health plans, projects and programmes.
Bahrain has recorded 631,562 coronavirus cases (until July 4) including 12,747 active cases, 617,320 recoveries and 1,495 deaths.
raji@gdnmedia.bh
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