Colombo (LNW): The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a call to countries in South-East Asia to enhance surveillance efforts in response to the escalating cases of respiratory diseases, including those related to COVID-19 and its new sub-variant JN.1, as well as influenza.
The WHO emphasised the need for people to adopt protective measures.
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the regional director of WHO South-East Asia, highlighted the evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus and the importance of closely monitoring its changes.
While the public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently assessed as low globally, ongoing surveillance, sequencing, and data sharing are crucial for tailored responses.
JN.1 has been classified as a variant of interest by the WHO due to its rapid global spread. The variant has been reported in multiple countries, and its prevalence is swiftly increasing.
Dr Khetrapal Singh noted that, given the limited evidence available, the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently considered low at the global level.
With the anticipation that JN.1 may contribute to an increase in COVID-19 cases, especially in countries entering the winter season, the WHO emphasised the importance of protective measures.
As people gather for holiday festivities, particularly indoors where poor ventilation facilitates virus transmission, individuals are urged to take precautions and seek timely clinical care when unwell.
Dr Khetrapal Singh underscored the significance of vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza, particularly for individuals at high risk.
All WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against severe diseases and deaths caused by all variants, including JN.1.
Despite WHO’s declaration in May that COVID-19 no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern, surveillance efforts need to be strengthened globally.
With COVID-19 continuing to circulate at high levels, countries must focus on surveillance, sequencing, and reporting to effectively manage respiratory diseases and safeguard public health.
