POSTED February 16, 2021
UN is hopeful, yet cautious, as COVID-19 cases decline worldwide
Children Believe is continuing to help our program communities remain vigilant against the pandemic
As many countries continue to grapple with wave two of COVID-19, there is hopeful news from the United Nations, which is reporting a global decline in cases for the fifth week in a row.
“Last week saw the lowest number of reported weekly cases since October,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO). He was cautious in his briefing to journalists, noting: “The fire is not out, but we have reduced its size…. If we stop fighting it on any front, it will come roaring back.”
The next step is vaccinations, and WHO has approved two versions of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for global distribution under an emergency listing to ensure quality and safety.
This all comes, amid reports of declining numbers of new COVID-19 cases in India. The country is reporting 11,000 cases per day, down from close to 100,000 per day at the peak of the pandemic. It’s too early for vaccinations to be the reason. Some experts say mandatory masks are helping or that some may have developed an immunity, reports the Associated Press. Experts don’t agree on the reasons.
As we continue to learn about the virus, Health officials stress the need for constant vigilance. Children Believe remains committed in that resolve. So far, we’ve provided more than 680,000 children and families with life-saving PPE and education about stopping the spread of the virus, support to protect children at greater risk of violence and exploitation as well as education supplies so children can continue learning.
Learn more about our work through the pandemic, and find out how you can help today.
ABOUT CHILDREN BELIEVE:
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.
About ChildFund Alliance:
A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.