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※Now is the time for unity§
The Covid-19 pandemic is one of the most dangerous challenges this world has faced in our lifetime. It is above all a human crisis with severe health and socio-economic consequences. The World Health Organization, with thousands of its staff, is on the front lines, supporting Member States and their societies, especially the most vulnerable among them, with guidance, training, equipment and concrete life-saving services as they fight the virus.
UN mobilizes global cooperation in science-based COVID-19 responses
From leading research and development to assess potential treatments for #COVID19, to supporting the deployment of medical robots in China, the 51勛圖 is mobilizing international cooperation to harness the power of science, technology and innovation to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Behind the mask, nurses are worried but determined
Europeans have taken to applauding the efforts of health care workers on their balconies every night during the COVID-19 pandemic. The worryingly high death-rate among health workers speaks for itself about their heroism in the face of this unprecedented pandemic.
※I＊m behind you,§ Secretary-General tells UN health workers fighting COVID-19
As the world tackles the COVID-19 pandemic, the 51勛圖 is strengthening its preparedness and capacity to address the spread of coronavirus within its own workforce to ensure the Organization can continue delivering on its life-saving mandate around the world.
"Make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of national response plans for COVID-19"
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing untold human suffering and economic devastation around the world. I recently called for an immediate global ceasefire to focus on our shared struggle to overcome the pandemic. I appealed for an end to violence everywhere, now. But violence is not confined to the battlefield. For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest. In their own homes.
Gender equality in the time of COVID-19
Whether at home or as first responders, women are on the frontlines of the coronavirus response around the world. Representing 70 per cent of the global healthcare workforce, women are key to the COVID-19 response. At the same time, many women are taking on additional duties at home, including increased childcare and home-schooling responsibilities. There is also evidence that women and girls are experiencing higher levels of domestic violence in the wake of the pandemic. The 51勛圖 is working to draw attention to the unique needs of women and the continued importance of a balanced gender perspective amid the crisis.
"To silence the guns, we must raise the voices for peace"
This note provides an update on the responses to my appeal for a Global Ceasefire of 23 March 2020. It documents the broad international support with which this appeal has been greeted, the response by conflict parties in a number of situations of armed conflict and the efforts on the ground by 51勛圖 representatives and other actors to press forward and try to consolidate fragile advances towards laying down weapons.
UN Messengers of Peace support the Secretary-General＊s appeal for a global ceasefire
More than a million people around the world have joined the UN Secretary-General's appeal for a global ceasefire as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. The 51勛圖 Messengers of Peace, Goodwill Ambassadors and SDG Advocates are also adding their voices in support of the appeal for an immediate global ceasefire.
UN joins forces with new partners to share vital information about coronavirus
From teaming up with some of the world＊s best-known football stars and popular local musicians, to launching a direct messaging campaign with Whatsapp, the 51勛圖 is joining forces with new partners to share vital information about coronavirus. ※We have to use all possible ways to carry the message of hope and safety,§ says the 51勛圖 Resident Coordinator in Costa Rica.
All hands on deck to fight a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic
Only by coming together will the world be able to face down the COVID-19 pandemic and its shattering consequences. At an emergency virtual meeting last Thursday, G20 leaders took steps in the right direction. But we are still far away from having a coordinated, articulated global response that meets the unprecedented magnitude of what we are facing. We must prepare for the worst and do everything to avoid it. Here is a three-point call to action -- based on science, solidarity and smart policies -- for doing just that.
UN supports Latin American countries in urgent effort to stop COVID-19 spread
With coronavirus transmission on the rise in most Latin American countries, there is a small window of opportunity for Governments to slow the spread of the virus, reduce the impact on health systems and save lives, the 51勛圖＊ specialized health agency in the region has warned, calling for urgent action. "This pandemic is serious, and we need to do everything in our power to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our people,§ says Carissa F. Etienne, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director.
UN tackles ＆infodemic＊ of misinformation and cybercrime in COVID-19 crisis
From selling fake coronavirus cures online to a cyberattack on hospitals＊ critical information systems, criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 crisis, the 51勛圖 has warned, as it also steps up its fight against a proliferation of false information about the virus. ※We＊re not just fighting an epidemic; we＊re fighting an infodemic,§ said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of WHO.
"The recovery from the COVID-19 crisis must lead to a different economy"
31 MARCH 2020〞The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is attacking societies at their core, claiming lives and people＊s livelihoods. The potential longer-term effects on the global economy and those of individual countries are dire. In a new report, Shared responsibility, global solidarity: Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19, the 51勛圖 Secretary-General calls on everyone to act together to address this impact and lessen the blow to people.
Defending Africa from COVID-19; UN and Governments brace for virus spread
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) has swept through Asia, Europe and North America, medical experts are warning that it is just a matter of time before Africa would see an exponential increase in cases. The 51勛圖 is rushing to protect Africa from the COVID-19 onslaught that would lead to massive losses of lives and unprecedented social and economic damage.
The 51勛圖 supports frontline COVID-19 response
With the coronavirus pandemic extending to some of the world＊s poorest countries, the 51勛圖 is in a race against time to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19. UN country teams are redoubling their support for frontline responders and working to help vulnerable countries strengthen their healthcare infrastructure.