Monthly operational update on COVID-19 - July 2022

Overview

In this edition of the COVID-19 Monthly Operational Update, highlights of country-level actions and WHO support to countries include:  

• EMRO reflects on genomic sequencing and its future within integrated surveillance of respiratory viruses 
• GOARN field epidemiologists support the COVID-19 response in Papua New Guinea 
• WHO/Europe leads regional dialogue on the importance of strong infection prevention and control programmes for COVID-19, monkeypox and beyond 
• An ancient tradition to the rescue: Mayan midwives or “comadronas” dispel COVID-19 vaccination fears 
• Reviewing the COVID-19 response in Sudan amidst other national emergencies 
• Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) provide support to Eswatini during the COVID-19 pandemic 
• Malaysia trials digital community to protect mental health during COVID-19 
• Looking back at WHO’s rapid and coordinated response to COVID-19 in Bhutan (2020-21)  
• WHO Public Health Laboratories knowledge sharing platform: Enhancing laboratory readiness 
• The ACT-A Health Systems and Response Connector: enhancing the equitable access and implementation of COVID-19 tools 
• GOARN Steering Committee selects new leadership and agrees on its upcoming 4-year strategy 
• “Dear Pandemic”: a communication platform empowering women to navigate the flood of information on COVID-19, presented as part of WHO’s Science Translation initiative 
• OpenWHO online course spurs learners to improve infection prevention and control practices 
• WHO’s COVID-19 Response Funding in 2022: Delivering science, solutions and solidarity to end the acute phase of the pandemic 
• Updated WHO guidance and publications