Health
THE Head of the World Health Organisation’s, WHO, European office, Hans Kluge has made a call for increased funding to mental health services especially during this era of COVID-19 pandemic.
Kluge made the call on Friday in Copenhagen.
He noted there is an expected rise in the need for specialised care as a result of the pandemic which he said: “has wrecked livelihoods and has had other negative impacts.”
“From anxieties around virus transmission, the psychological impact of lockdowns and self-isolation, to the effects of unemployment, financial worries and social exclusion, the mental health impact of the pandemic will be long term and far-reaching,’’ he said.
Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed over 500,000 virus-related deaths and 23 million infections in the region, and that: “almost one, in five health care workers, is suffering from anxiety and depression.”
The WHO Europe Head urged Europeans to maintain social distancing and limit social contacts during the upcoming holiday season to stem the second wave of corona virus that has taken a toll on mental health.
Other means of reducing anxiety or depression, he said: “included getting out into nature (where permitted), keeping active, to structuring and planning your days’’.
Kluge also urged people to stay at home and maintain physical distance. He said in doing so, they have “an opportunity to connect and care,’’ citing social networking tools.
– dpa/NAN
– Dec. 18, 2020 @ 14:30 GMT |
Tags: Covid-19 Hans Kluge WHO
