UN launches $2 billion humanitarian response plan
The United Nations has launched its $2 billion Global Humanitarian Response Plan in the fight against coronavirus in the world’s poorest countries.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlined the plan saying it will be coordinated by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, along with existing appeals from the World Health Organization and other UN partners.
“Properly funded, it will save many lives and arm humanitarian agencies and NGO’s with laboratory supplies for testing, and with medical equipment to treat the sick while protecting health care workers,” Guterres said.
He added:
“COVID-19 is menacing the whole of humanity – and so the whole of humanity must fight back. Individual country responses are not going to be enough. Wealthy countries with strong health systems are buckling under the pressure.”
Guterres said now is the time to help protect countries who are already in the midst of humanitarian crises, like conflicts, natural disaster and climate change, “We must come to the aid of the ultra-vulnerable – millions upon millions of people who are least able to protect themselves.”
“This is a matter of basic human solidarity. It is also crucial for combatting the virus,” Guterres said.
