THE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says it is closely monitoring the Coronavirus pandemic especially its effects to pregnant and lactating women.
By Michael Gwarisa
UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem said pregnant women deserve priority treatment during times as these.
As the new Coronavirus appears across the world, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency is closely monitoring the outbreak and especially its impact on pregnant and breastfeeding women.
“Safe pregnancy and child birth both depend upon functioning health systems and strict adherence to infection precautions. Women who are expecting must receive timely care and those who have respiratory illnesses must get treatment with the utmost priority,” said Dr Kanem.
The Coronavirus has already claimed 4000 lives globally and has since been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Dr Kanem also advised pregnant and breastfeeding women to take precautionary measures being recommended by the WHO.
“Avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing or sneezing and wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer. Fear and uncertainly might be natural responses to Covid-19 but let us be guided by the facts.
“Let us be together in solidarity putting the needs of society’s most vulnerable at the heart of our response.”
