The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging every country to continue the immunization programs. Also, warn that suspending vaccination could lead to other health crises amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A WHO official cited the regenerate of polio in the Philippines which was also hit by measles outbreak along with Malaysia and China, citing that infectious diseases would return if vaccination rates will drop.

WHO’s Western Pacific regional director, Dr. Takeshi Kasai said that even during the pandemic, each country should still conduct vaccination in every areas “where it’s feasible and with appropriate infection control.”

“If we allow COVID-19 to disrupt immunization programs, our region could face a new crisis at a time when health systems are already strained,” he said.

Recalling last year, polio has resurfaced the Philippines after 19 years. Also, more than 11,000 people was hit with measles due to a drop in immunization. 

In addition, the health officials also triggered by the controversy over the anti-dengue vaccine “Dengvaxia,” which takes away many lives.

Kasai added that countries should make sure that they had access to treatment for other diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are not be interrupted during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Kasai said, “We cannot let the COVID0-19 response to put (people’s) lives at risk by compromising these services.”

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