The UN agency is concerned about rising numbers of cases and deaths in Africa, eastern Europe, Latin America and some Asian countries even as the numbers flatten or decline in some wealthier countries.

"We have a long road ahead of us and a lot of work to do," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told.

After its emergence in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, the virus has claimed more than 200,000 lives globally. More than 885,000 people have recovered in that time.

But now health bosses are concerned for the indirect impact of COVID-19 on children.

Shortages of vaccines against other diseases are being reported in 21 countries as a result of border restrictions and disruptions to travel.

About 13 million people have been affected worldwide by delays in regular immunisations against polio, measles, cholera, yellow fever and meningitis, Prof Ghebreyesus said .

"Children may be at relatively low risk from severe disease and death from COVID-19 - the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus - but can be at high risk from other diseases that can be prevented with vaccines," Tedros said.

On a brighter note, Britain's national postal service will mark the 100th birthday of a former soldier who has raised nearly $58 million to help Britain's health service through the coronavirus pandemic.

The Royal Mail will stamp a special postmark onto all letters sent between Monday and Thursday, when ex-army captain Tom Moore turns 100.

Last week The Royal Mail handled more than 40,000 birthday cards, letters and gifts for the man known across the country as Captain Tom.

Oh, and the soon-to-be-centurian also reached the top of Britain's singles charts last week, with his version of "You'll Never Walk Alone." alongside Michael Ball.

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