European Global Shapers Unite for Collaboration with WHO on COVID-19
Yesterday, over 200 Shapers in Eurasia virtually met with four experts from the European WHO Regional Office to ask critical questions about COVID-19.
This webinar kicks off a month-long collaboration between WHO and the Global Shapers during April and is spearheaded by Copenhagen’s incoming curator Lahiru Elvitigala and vice-curator Ben Schenkel.
These WHO experts are at the heart of the fight against COVID-19 in Europe. We spoke with:
- Dr. Dorit Nitzan – WHO/Europe COVID-19 response overall lead
- Dr. Richard Pebody – WHO/Europe COVID-19 response technical lead
- Ms. Cristiana Salvi – WHO/Europe COVID-19 response communication lead
- Dr. Masoud Dara – WHO/Europe Coordinator for Communicable Diseases Department
Below are some of the key insights from the discussion:
1) We are facing an “infodemic”. The avalanche of information about COVID-19 can distract the public from critical strategic efforts to combat the disease. When looking for who to trust or believe, the advice from the WHO experts is:
a. limit your intake of COVID-19 related news and
b. only read official sources, e.g. WHO website or local health authorities. For Denmark this is: www.ens.ssi.dk
2) A lot that is still unknown. Experts have learned a lot about the virus, but still don’t understand key issues like how long immunity lasts and/or if reinfection is possible. Therefore, it is key to prevent outbreaks and limit them from growing larger.
3) This is a marathon. One thing we don’t know is how long this situation will last. Eventually we might all get fatigued, but we have to stay motivated and united in these uncertain times. It is a matter of solidarity and remembering our actions impact others.
4) The biggest action everyone, especially us youth, can take is to safeguard our own health, and then that of our families and communities. This can be done by securing hand and respiratory hygiene, as well as (yes, you know it) physical distancing. But we shouldn’t distance ourselves emotionally or socially!
The WHO and Shaper collaboration on COVID-19 will continue with weekly calls with the experts. The conversations will cover the epidemic developments and answers to key questions. Additionally, we are exploring how shapers can help WHO promote health campaigns and mitigate the spread of misinformation. Please reach out to us if you have further questions or ideas for tackling the COVID-19 crisis together with WHO.
We are all in this together!
#BeReady #COVID19 #SafeHands #PreventionOverPanic #ShapingHealth #HappyAtHome