COVID-19: El-Rufai To Announce Fresh Lockdown In Kaduna
The World Health Organization, WHO has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke.
WHO noted that people with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection ̶ adding that they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death.
Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who said COVID-19 has interrupted essential mental health services around the world charged World leaders to invest more in life-saving mental health programmes ̶ during the pandemic and beyond.
Furthermore, the WHO said the pandemic has either disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries globally while the demand for mental health is increasing.
A new WHO survey carried out in 130 countries shows that devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health services and underscores the urgent need for increased funding.
The survey which was conducted from June to August 2020 among 130 countries across WHO’s six regions evaluated how the provision of mental, neurological and substance use services has changed due to COVID-19.
WHO said the pandemic is increasing demand for mental health services while bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. The organization also stated that many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol, drug use, insomnia, and anxiety.