A new WHO survey looks at the extent to which different countries in the European region have altered services for the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The survey showed that palliative care, rehabilitation care, and services to address cardiovascular disease emergencies have been significantly disrupted in most countries. To treat NCD’s during the challenge of the pandemic, health care systems have employed new strategies like refilling prescriptions remotely, repurposing staff, and limiting facility-based care that was nonessential. The survey’s results showed a decrease in outpatient care due to patients not coming in for their appointments. This decline is attributed to travel restrictions during lockdown and fear of exposure to the disease. Countries are responding by adapting service methods such as offering telemedicine consultations and novel delivery methods of medicine. Considering the new global reality, WHO has arranged and facilitated several webinars for countries to share their experiences and exchange ideas to help one another address new challenges during COVID-19.

Learn more on how European countries are adapting NCD care during COVID-19

Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19

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