"We call on countries to implement proven public health measures aggressively: detect, test, isolate and care for every case, and trace and quarantine every contact," said World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"Covid-19 response demands a whole-of-govt approach. As ministers of health, you play a vital, central role, but you cannot do it alone so continuing with the whole-of-govt approach will be very important to beating this virus," he requested on Twitter.

"We urge you to pay careful attention to ensuring that essential public health services continue safely and effectively. WHO remains committed to standing with all of you in solidarity to fight the virus and save lives."

Opinion

Editorial

Yemen offensive
Updated 04 Oct, 2026

Yemen offensive

The best option, therefore, is for Muslim and Arab states to help restore the Saudi-Houthi ceasefire.
Growth transition
04 Oct, 2026

Growth transition

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call to move from stabilisation to growth, job creation and export ...
Protection at risk
04 Oct, 2026

Protection at risk

THE recent warning from UNHCR should alarm donor governments. Nearly 8.3m refugees and other forcibly displaced...
Talks, at last
Updated 03 Oct, 2026

Talks, at last

The government’s constant threats to suspend KP’s elected dispensation over a political protest have escalated hostilities considerably. In that context, both sides did well to start talking.
IWT’s future
Updated 03 Oct, 2026

IWT’s future

TOGETHER with the Kashmir dispute, India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has become the biggest...
Pained minds
03 Oct, 2026

Pained minds

IN Pakistan, mental healthcare is wedged between two extremes — a luxury or a stigma. Estimates cited by the...