Development Health Advice 

‘Immediate nationwide ceasefire’ needed for all-out effort to counter COVID-19 in Syria

“We need the kind of sustained period of calm that a nationwide ceasefire would ensure because we need cooperation to take place across the front-lines that riddle Syria’s territory – and this is needed not tomorrow, but now”, Geir Pedersen said in a videoconference with Security Council members. Years of conflict have degraded or destroyed the healthcare system, the UN… Read More
Development Health Advice 

Coronavirus necessitates global increase in protective equipment, medical supplies: UN health chief

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists in Geneva on Monday that he had spoken to trade ministers from the world’s leading economic forum, the G-20, about ways to address the chronic shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential medical supplies. “We call on countries to work with companies to increase production; to ensure the free movement of essential health… Read More
Development Health Advice 

Release inmates in Yemen to avert nationwide COVID-19 outbreak, experts urge

Despite calls from the UN Secretary-General and others for a global ceasefire during the pandemic, fighting has continued between pro-Government forces and Houthi rebels in recent days. In a statement, the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen, said prisoners and detainees in Yemen are particularly vulnerable – and at high risk of death – if the novel… Read More
Development Health Advice 

COVID-19: UN donates quarter of a million face masks to NYC health workers

In a statement, Mr. Guterres said that the face masks are part of UN stocks, deemed surplus to requirements, and are currently located in United Nations facilities in New York. The UN chief praised medical professionals in New York City who, he said, have been working “courageously, selflessly, and tirelessly in response to the spread of COVID-19 across the boroughs,”… Read More
Development Health Advice 

COVID-19: UN envoy hails strong Israel-Palestine cooperation

Mr. Mladenov’s comments were made during a telephone conversation with the other members of the Middle East Quartet, a body set up to mediate the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. It is made up of representatives of the European Union, Russia, the USA, and the United Nations.  During the call, which took place on Thursday, Mr. Mladenov gave a detailed briefing on… Read More
Development Health Advice 

Critical work of UN ‘largely uninterrupted’, despite unprecedented challenge of COVID-19

In his welcoming remarks, the UN General Assembly President underscored the value of safety and solidarity in the face of a crisis that has affected practically every corner of the globe. “Although we are not sitting together, be rest assured that we are in this together”, said Tijjani Muhammad Bande. “We must lead by example. We must stay at home,… Read More
Development Health Advice 

Protect ‘healthcare heroes’ from COVID-19, urges UN rights expert

“Their tireless work and self-sacrifice show the best of humanity”, said Baskut Tuncak, Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes.  Hailing the healthcare workers as “heroes” who “must be protected”, he stressed that unacceptable shortages in critical protective equipment that can stop them from being infected, continue to… Read More
Development Health Advice 

A sustainable global economy must arise once COVID-19 pandemic is reversed, UN chief tells G-20 summit

They will also expand manufacturing capacity to meet the huge and increasing demand for medical supplies, which will be made available at an affordable price and in the shortest possible time, pledged the leading economic powers. The UN Secretary-General, the world’s top diplomat, was among those taking part, stressing that “we are at war with a virus – and not… Read More
Development Health Advice 

Life-saving vaccinations must not ‘fall victim’ to COVID-19 pandemic – UNICEF chief

As health workers are diverted to support the response, “physical distancing is leading parents to make the difficult decision to defer routine immunization”, Henrietta Fore said in a statement on Thursday, adding that flight cancellations and trade restrictions have “severely constrained access to essential medicines, including vaccines”. “As the pandemic progresses, critical life-saving services, including immunization, will likely be disrupted,… Read More
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