KUALA LUMPUR: Governments around the world should not lift intervention and preventive measures in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 too early, despite inoculating a majority of their population against the virus.
World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, Dr Lo Ying-Ru Jacqueline, also said it was imperative for governments to listen to the advice of their respective health authorities to prevent a resurgence of another round of Covid-19 infections.
"It is very important to actually have a recovery plan and prevent another round of Covid-19 infections. The inoculation drive and rollout also play an important role and I believe this has become the priority for the government of Malaysia, the Health Ministry as well as the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force.
"However, at the same time, it is also important not to lift measures too early," she said during a question-and-answer session at the launching of the European Union-South East Asia Health Pandemic Response and Preparedness Programme in Malaysia, which was held online today.
She was joined by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and EU ambassador to Malaysia, Michalis Rokas.
"Some countries in Asia with a high vaccination rate against Covid-19 are unfortunately seeing a resurgence of infections although not severe.
"It is a complicated issue and I think it is important to remind everyone to listen to your respective health authorities and follow their advice as well as participate as a responsible citizen to their response," said Dr Lo.
Individuals, communities and governments at the national and sub-national level, she said, have an important role to play to prevent another surge of Covid-19 infections.
Dr Lo, however, noted that overcoming such pandemic-induced crises is a daunting task since many people and groups are suffering from pandemic fatigue.
"WHO's guide to reduce risks and transmissions require a combination of measures including ongoing surveillance, early detection, and strengthening contact tracing efforts along with implementation of targeted response measures.
"I think this is particularly important especially for the economic sectors in Malaysia," she said.
Dr Lo added that WHO has just updated the third version of its guide on calibrating public health and social measures which among others look at specific groups and levels of risk assessment, as well as where infections are occurring and the health system capacity.