GENEVA, (Reuters) – Disruptions in the basic services of health such as treatment for diseases like AIDS and vaccinations were reported by 92% of 129 nations in a World Health Organization survey that examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement to journalists, WHO stated that the survey was conducted between November and December 2021. It showed “severely affected” services with “little, or no improvement” over the earlier survey of early 2021.

The WHO stated that the survey results “underline the need to urgently address the major health system problems, restore services and reduce the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

36% of countries reported that emergency care was disrupted, compared to 29% and 21% respectively in the early 2021 survey and 2020.

In 59% of countries, elective procedures such as knee and hip replacements were not possible. Gaps in rehabilitative or palliative care were also reported in around half.

This survey was conducted at a time when there were an increasing number of COVID-19 patients in several countries by the end 2021.

Without further explanation, the WHO stated that disruptions were caused by “pre-existing issues in health systems” and decreased care demand.