Provision of routine immunization services is substantially hindered in at least 68 countries and is likely to affect approximately 80 million children under the age of 1 living in these countries. Since March 2020, routine childhood immunization services have been disrupted on a global scale that may be unprecedented since the inception of expanded programs on immunization (EPI) in the 1970s. The reasons for disrupted services vary. Some parents are reluctant to leave home because of restrictions on movement, lack of information or because they fear infection with the COVID-19 virus. And many health workers are unavailable because of restrictions on travel, or redeployment to COVID response duties, as well as a lack of protective equipment. Transport delays of vaccines are also exacerbating the situation. Despite the challenges, several countries are making special efforts to continue immunization. Uganda is ensuring that immunization services continue along with other essential health services, even funding transportation to ensure outreach activities. And in Lao PDR, despite a national lockdown imposed in March, routine immunization in fixed sites continued with physical distancing measures in place. Key materials Framework for decision-making: implementation of mass vaccination campaigns in the context of COVID-19 WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 22 May 2020 News release 147th session of the Executive Board goes virtual 22 May 2020 The session saw Dr Harsh Vardhan, India's Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Science & Technology, Earth Sciences elected as the new WHO Executive Board chair. In his remarks, the Director-General briefly summarized WHO’s work on COVID-19 in seven areas: leadership, analysis, communication, supplies, expertise, research and preparedness. He also called on the global community to redouble its efforts on furthering health and development: Key materials WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the Executive Board Video recording of Executive Board Webpage on WHO governance WHO receives first-ever donation of insulin 22 May 2020 Fifty low- and middle-income countries are soon to receive insulin for people with diabetes, thanks to a donation by global health-care company, Novo Nordisk. The donation, of insulin and glucagon, which is used to manage dangerously low blood glucose levels, comes to the value of US$ 1.3 million. It is the first donation in WHO’s history of a medicine for a noncommunicable disease. Key materials Web story WHO and UNHCR join forces to improve health services for refugees, displaced and stateless people 21 May 2020 WHO signed a new agreement with the UN Refugee Agency, with a key aim for 2020 of supporting ongoing efforts to protect some 70 million forcibly displaced people from COVID-19. Around 26 million of these people are refugees, 80 per cent of whom are sheltered in low and middle-income countries with weak health systems. Another 40 million internally displaced people also require assistance. UNHCR also joined the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, which has raised $214m to date. The Fund contributed $10 million to support UNHCR's work on urgent needs related to community engagement, hygiene and medical supplies, isolation units and global preparedness activities. Key materials News release Web page on WHO's work on refugee and migrant health WHO supports Smithsonian Science Education Center with launch of COVID-19 Guide for Youth 21 May 2020 In collaboration with WHO and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), the Smithsonian Science Education Center has developed a new rapid-response guide for youth ages 8–17. “COVID-19! How can I protect myself and others" is based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and aims to help young people understand the science and social science of COVID-19. Integrating inquiry-based science education with social and emotional learning and civic engagement, it looks to help them take actions to keep themselves, their families and communities safe. The Smithsonian Science Education Center will disseminate the information to youth worldwide in collaboration with WHO, IAP, educators, and museum and research center networks. The guide is free and will be available to youth in more than 15 languages, particularly African and Asian languages. Key materials Guide: COVID-19! How Can I Protect Myself and Others? News release UN launches 'Verified' initiative 21 May 2020 Verified is a UN initiative to encourage us all to check the advice we share, as the world can only contain the coronavirus if every person has access to accurate, reliable information. By promoting and sharing Verified content – marked by a double tick – everyday people can play a crucial role by giving reliable information about COVID-19 to their friends, families and social networks, with the goal of saving lives and countering misinformation. Organisations, businesses, civil society and media platforms can partner with Verified to spread information that helps protect people, communities and forges connections across the planet. Verified’s team of communicators, creatives and researchers produce content based on the latest information and guidance from the UN, WHO and other UN agencies. The team works with leading experts on misinformation, First Draft. Key materials 'Verified' initiative webpage Day 2 of 73rd World Health Assembly 19 May 2020 At today’s meeting of the 73rd World Health Assembly —its first-ever to be held virtually—delegates adopted a landmark resolution to bring the world together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution, co-sponsored by more than 130 countries, was adopted by consensus. It calls for the intensification of efforts to control the pandemic, and for equitable access to and fair distribution of all essential health technologies and products to combat the virus. It also calls for an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the global response, including, but not limited to, WHO’s performance. As WHO convened ministers of health from almost every country in the world, the consistent message throughout the two-day meeting—including from the 14 heads of state participating in the opening and closing sessions —was that global unity is the most powerful tool to combat the outbreak. The resolution is a concrete manifestation of this call, and a roadmap for controlling the outbreak. In his closing remarks to the Assembly, the DIrector-General outlined how WHO is fighting COVID-19 with every tool at its disposal. As with the opening, leaders from around the world spoke during the closing of the Assembly. New Executive Board members were elected: The World Health Assembly will reconvene later in the year. Key materials: Press release WHO Director-General's closing remarks at the World Health Assembly World Health Assembly page with video recordings Main documents for WHA WHA Journal Day 1 of 73rd World Health Assembly 18 May 2020 The first-ever virtual World Health Assembly kicked off at noon on 18 May with the 'WHO: A global response to a global pandemic' video, shown in 6 languages. In his remarks to the Assembly, the Director-General paid tribute to nurses, midwives and all health workers, who have been on the frontlines saving lives. He ended with a call for solidarity. Leaders from around the world spoke during the opening of the Assembly. The Assembly also elected a President and five Vice-Presidents: Key materials: World Health Assembly page with livestream WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the World Health Assembly Main documents for WHA WHA Journal 'WHO: A global response to a global pandemic' video in: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee releases interim report on COVID-19 response 18 May 2020 The Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee (IOAC) provides regular reporting on WHO’s emergencies programme. It was set up at the same time as the programme. The IOAC interim report notes that WHO responded more quickly than in previous emergencies and “demonstrated leadership and has made important progress in its COVID-19 response.” The report also provides recommendations for WHO and Member States on how to improve the COVID-19 response. WHO welcomes the committee’s report, which is part of existing mechanisms to review WHO’s work and ensure a constant feedback loop to improve performance. Key materials: IOAC's interim report WHO Results Report launched 18 May 2020 The Results Report provides a comprehensive picture of what WHO, its Member States and partners have achieved in the past two years. It gives updates based around three strategic priorities: 1 billion more people benefiting from universal health coverage 1 billion more people better protected from health emergencies, and 1 billion more people living with better health and well-being. Key materials: Results report 3rd Walk the Talk: Health for All Challenge goes virtual 16-17 May Ahead of the 73rd World Health Assembly, WHO's Headquarters, Regional and Country offices joined together to run the third Walk the Talk as an online virtual global relay. The two-day event offered opportunities for people to participate in a variety of virtual, timed events, such as yoga, cooking demonstrations, meditation and exercise classes for all ages and abilities. Key materials: Video recording from HQ Video recording from WHO/AFRO Video recording from WHO/EURO Video recording from WHO/WPRO Video recording from WHO/SEARO Programme page Event listing Twitter thread on how to stay healthy at home WHO teams up with the International Olympic Committee to improve health through sport 16 May 2020 WHO signed an agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to work together to promote health through sport and physical activity. This collaboration is timely because the current COVID-19 pandemic is particularly affecting people with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The agreement has a special focus on preventing NCDs through sport. Other areas of collaboration include working with host countries to ensure the health of athletes, supporters and workers at the games as well as addressing NCD risk factors, including water quality and air pollution. The two institutions will also work to ensure that the games leave a healthy legacy in host countries through enhanced awareness of the value of sport and physical activity. The two organizations also intend to work together promote grassroots and community sports programmes that have a further reach within the general public, particularly among girls, older people and people living with disability who may find it harder to keep active and healthy. Key materials News release WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the International Olympic Committee MoU signing event Explainer of WHO and the World Health Assembly 16 May 2020 Ahead of the first-ever virtual World Health Assembly (WHA), WHO explains what WHO is, what we do, our work to fight COVID-19, what the WHA is, how WHA will work in 2020 and why both WHO and WHA matter so much right now. This year, the 73rd WHA will mostly focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. Member States will deliver statements, report their progress in fighting coronavirus, share knowledge on the evolving situation and consider a draft resolution on COVID-19. Key materials WHO and the WHA – an explainer Video: WHO protecting health every day, everywhere Video: Timeline of how WHO has responded to COVID-19 Special World Health Assembly talk with Professor Devi Sridhar 16 May 2020 Professor Devi Sridhar, Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, helped preview the first-ever virtual World Health Assembly (WHA). She presented WHA as an opportunity for countries to report on progress and what they need in the response to COVID-19. Describing science as the "true exit strategy", Professor Sridar also sees WHA as a chance to further develop the research and development roadmap focused on the coronavirus. Professor Sridhar outlined how WHO was created to respond to events like the COVID-19 pandemic, as a normative and technical agency that supports member states. She also explained the International Health Regulations, Emergency Committee and significance of declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern – among many other topics. Key materials Video recording: Special talk about WHA73 with Devi Sridhar WHO and Costa Rica preview technology pooling initiative 15 May 2020 Presidents Carlos Alvarado Quesada of Costa Rica and Sebastián Piñera of Chile joined WHO's Director-General to announce progress on a technology platform that aims to lift access barriers to effective vaccines, medicines and other health products against COVID-19. The platform will pool data, knowledge and intellectual property for existing or new COVID-19 health products to deliver ‘global public goods’ for all people and all countries. Through the open sharing of science and data, numerous companies will be able to access the information they need to produce the technologies, thereby scaling up availability worldwide, lowering costs and increasing access. Key materials News release WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 15 May 2020 Video recording of 15 May media briefing WHO scientific brief on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents with COVID-19 15 May 2020 Relatively few cases of infants confirmed to have COVID-19 have been reported; those who are infected have experienced mild illness. Recently, however, reports from Europe and North America have described clusters of children and adolescents requiring admission to intensive care units with a multisystem inflammatory condition with some features similar to those of Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. It is essential to characterize this syndrome and its risk factors, to understand causality, and describe treatment interventions. It is not yet clear the full spectrum of disease, and whether the geographical distribution in Europe and North America reflects a true pattern, or if the condition has simply not been recognized elsewhere. There is therefore an urgent need for collection of standardized data describing clinical presentations, severity, outcomes, and epidemiology. WHO has developed a preliminary case definition and case report form for multisystem inflammatory disorder in children and adolescents. The case definition will be revised as more data become available. In addition to more detail on the above, the Scientific Brief also includes information on the preliminary case definition and Global COVID-19 Clinical Data Platform. Key materials Scientific Brief: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents with COVID-19 WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 15 May 2020 WHO Gender and COVID-19 Advocacy Brief 14 May 2020 The pandemic is impacting women and men differently. From risk of exposure and biological susceptibility to infection to the social and economic implications, individuals’ experiences are likely to vary according to their biological and gender characteristics and their interaction with other social determinants. COVID-19 strategic plans must be grounded in strong gender analysis and ensure meaningful participation of women and girls in decision-making and implementation. WHO calls on its Member States and all global actors to guide investments in quality and gender-sensitive research on the adverse health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19. Countries are advised to incorporate a focus on gender into their COVID-19 responses in order to ensure that public health policies and measures to curb the pandemic account for gender and how it interacts with other inequalities. Key materials Advocacy brief: Gender and COVID-19 WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 15 May 2020 Video recording of 15 May media briefing WHO Academy and WHO Info apps launch 13 May 2020 The WHO Academy app provides health workers with access to up-to the-minute guidance, tools, training, and virtual workshops that will help them care for COVID-19 patients and protect themselves. The app is built around the needs expressed by 20,000 global health workers in a WHO Academy survey. The WHO Info app aims to inform the general public. Regarding COVID-19, the app will provide updates on the latest case numbers, WHO initiatives, partnerships and the race to find medicines and vaccines for fighting the disease. Key materials News release Free download of WHO Academy App: Apple App Store Free download of WHO Academy App: Google Play Store WHO Academy webpage UN Policy Brief on COVID-19 and the need for action on mental health 13 May 2020 An increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety are already being reported in a number of countries in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. A study in Ethiopia in April 2020 reported a 3-fold increase in the prevalence of symptoms of depression compared to estimates from before the epidemic. Frontline health-care workers, women, children, adolescents, older persons and people with pre-existing mental health conditions are all at particular risk. A rise in alcohol consumption is another area of concern for mental health experts. The increase in people in need of mental health or psychosocial support has been compounded by the interruption to mental health services in many countries. In concrete terms, it is critical that people living with mental health conditions have continued access to treatment. Many countries have changed their approach to the provision of this support in ways that are showing signs of success. Support for community actions that strengthen social cohesion and reduce loneliness, particularly for the most vulnerable, must also continue. Key materials: UN Policy Brief on COVID-19 and the need for action on mental health News release: Substantial investment needed to avert mental health crisis WHO web page: Mental health and COVID-19 Launch of joint campaign with UK government to counter misinformation 11 May 2020 WHO has joined forces with the UK government to run 'Stop The Spread', a global campaign to raise awareness about the risks of misinformation around COVID-19 and encourage people to double-check information with trusted sources such as WHO and national health authorities. BBC World News and BBC.com will feature the campaign. 'Stop The Spread' will reach audiences across Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America. The UK government will offer a toolkit of the campaign assets to partner governments to translate and use in their countries to ensure a unified message across borders. Key materials Countering misinformation about COVID-19 WHO statement on tobacco use and COVID-19 11 May 2020 COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes which put people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe illness when affected by COVID-19. WHO is constantly evaluating new research, including research that examines the link between tobacco use, nicotine use, and COVID-19. A review of studies by public health experts convened by WHO on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers. WHO urges researchers, scientists and the media to be cautious about amplifying unproven claims that tobacco or nicotine could reduce the risk of COVID-19. There is currently insufficient information to confirm any link between tobacco or nicotine in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Key materials: WHO statement: Tobacco use and COVID-19 WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 11 May 2020 #AskWHO" href="/posts/546/?tag=AskWHO" rel="nofollow">#AskWHO on breastfeeding during COVID-19 11 May 2020 Dr Pura Rayco-Solon, from WHO's Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, answered questions on breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasised that there is no evidence so far that the virus is transmitted through breastfeeding. Breastfeeding provides numerous health and developmental benefits for both infants and mothers. Key materials YouTube recording: #AskWHO" href="/posts/546/?tag=AskWHO" rel="nofollow">#AskWHO with Dr Pura Rayco-Solon News item: New FAQs address healthcare workers questions on breastfeeding and COVID-19 FAQs: Breastfeeding and COVID-19 for health care workers Q&A on COVID-19 and breastfeeding COVID-19-related service disruptions could cause hundreds of thousands of extra deaths from HIV 11 May 2020 New modelling on HIV convened by the World Health Organization and UNAIDS highlights the importance of taking immediate steps to minimise interruptions in health services and supplies of antiretroviral drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The worst case scenario considered by the modelling group was a 6-month disruption of antiretroviral therapy. The group suggested that this could lead to more than 500 000 extra deaths from AIDS-related illnesses, including from tuberculosis, in sub-Saharan Africa over the next year. At a media briefing today the WHO Director-General said that the modelling should be a “wake-up call,” and that despite attention being focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, we must still ensure that global supplies of tests and treatments for both HIV and TB reach the countries and communities that need them most. Key materials Joint news release with UNAIDS Jewell B, Mudimu E, Stover J, et al for the HIV Modelling consortium, Potential effects of disruption to HIV programmes in sub-Saharan Africa caused by COVID-19: results from multiple models. Pre-print Alexandra B. Hogan, Britta Jewell, Ellie Sherrard-Smith et al. The potential impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on HIV, TB and malaria in low- and middle-income countries. Imperial College London (01-05-2020). WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 11 May 2020 New guidance on surveillance strategies for COVID-19 human infection 10 May 2020 This guidance document provides an overview of strategies that Member States should consider as part of comprehensive national surveillance for COVID-19. It emphasises the need to adapt and reinforce existing national systems where appropriate and to scale-up surveillance capacities as needed. Generally speaking, digital technologies for rapid reporting, data management, and analysis will be helpful. Robust comprehensive surveillance should be maintained even in areas where there are few or no cases; it is critical that new cases and clusters are detected rapidly and before widespread disease transmission occurs. Ongoing surveillance is also important to understand longer-term trends in the disease and the evolution of the virus. Surveillance can be community-based and take place at the primary care level. Existing sentinel surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) is useful to monitor COVID-19 transmission trends. There should also be enhanced surveillance for residential facilities and vulnerable groups. Key materials: Surveillance strategies for COVID-19 human infection Operational considerations for COVID-19 surveillance using GISRS: interim guidance Critical preparedness, readiness and response actions for COVID-19 New guidance on contact tracing 10 May 2020 Contact tracing is the process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have been exposed to a disease to prevent onward transmission. When systematically applied, contact tracing will break the chains of transmission of COVID-19 and is an essential public health tool for controlling the virus. Contact tracing for COVID-19 requires identifying people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and following them up daily for 14 days from the last point of exposure. This document provides guidance on how to establish contact tracing capacity for the control of COVID-19, covering issues such as the ideal profile of a contact tracer and what to do if a contact cannot be reached. Critical elements of the implementation of contact tracing are community engagement and public support; careful planning and consideration of local contexts, communities, and cultures; a workforce of trained contact tracers and supervisors; logistics support to contact tracing teams; and a system to collate, compile, and analyse data in real-time. Key materials: Contact tracing in the context of COVID-19 Considerations in the investigation of cases and clusters of COVID-19 Considerations for public health and social measures in the workplace 10 May 2020 New guidance from WHO outlines measures to protect against COVID-19 in workplaces. It covers carrying out a workplace risk assessment and outlines measures for all workplaces in the areas of hand and respiratory hygiene; physical distancing; reduction and management of work-related travel; regular environmental cleaning and disinfection; risk communication, training and education; and management of people with COVID-19 or their contacts. There are also specific measures for workplaces and jobs at medium and high risk. In addition, the guidance provides an overview of the rights, duties and responsibilities of workers and employers, as well as advice on developing action plans for COVID-19 prevention and mitigation. This document is an Annex to existing WHO guidance on 'Considerations in adjusting public health and social measures in the context of COVID-19'. Key materials: Considerations for public health and social measures in the workplace in the context of COVID-19 Considerations in adjusting public health and social measures in the context of COVID-19 WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 11 May 2020 Video: Preventing COVID-19 in your workplace or while teleworking Considerations for school-related public health measures 10 May 2020 New guidance released this week outlines what should be considered when deciding to close or reopen schools, what we know about COVID-19 and children, and questions to ask in assessing the ability to maintain prevention and control measures. To reopen schools, the document recommends measures relating to hygiene and daily practices, as well as physical distancing and tele-schooling. It also covers monitoring of schools after re-opening. The document was developed in consultation with UNICEF, IFRC and WHO Regional Offices. It is an Annex to existing WHO guidance on 'Considerations in adjusting public health and social measures in the context of COVID-19'. Key materials: Considerations for school-related public health measures in the context of COVID-19 Considerations in adjusting public health and social measures in the context of COVID-19 WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 11 May 2020 WHO Statement on false allegations in Der Spiegel 9 May 2020 Der Spiegel reports of a 21 January, 2020, telephone conversation between WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and President Xi Jingping of China are unfounded and untrue. Dr Tedros and President Xi did not speak on 21 January and they have never spoken by telephone. Such inaccurate reports distract and detract from WHO’s and the world’s efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic. To note: China confirmed human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus on 20 January. Key materials: News release 40th anniversary of global eradication of smallpox holds lessons for overcoming COVID-19 8 May 2020 On May 8 1980, the World Health Assembly confirmed the eradication of smallpox, marking the end of a disease that had plagued humanity for at least 3000 years, killing 300 million people in the 20th century alone. It was ended thanks to a 10-year global effort, spearheaded by the World Health Organization, that involved thousands of health workers around the world to administer half a billion vaccinations to stamp out smallpox. Speaking at a virtual event hosted at WHO-HQ, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus outlined what the eradication of smallpox can teach us about using basic public health solutions, science and solidarity to rise to the challenge of COVID-19. "Many of the basic public health tools that were used successfully then are the same tools that have been used to respond to Ebola, and to COVID-19: disease surveillance, case finding, contact tracing, and mass communication campaigns to inform affected populations.” Smallpox eradication was only possible because of a safe and effective vaccine. With COVID-19, WHO is working to drive forward the ‘Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator’, which aims to ensure that new health technologies will be developed, manufactured and distributed equitably. Dr Tedros noted that humanity’s victory over smallpox is a reminder of what is possible when nations come together to fight a common health threat: "The decisive factor in the victory over smallpox was global solidarity. At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the United States of America joined forces to conquer a common enemy. They recognized that viruses do not respect nations or ideologies.” Key materials WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 8 May 2020 Video recording of 8 May 2020 media briefing LinkedIn article: Lessons from Smallpox Eradication Should Inspire Effort to Overcome COVID-19 Video: 40th anniversary of smallpox eradication UN issues $6.7 billion appeal to protect millions in fragile countries 7 May 2020 An update to the UN’s Global Humanitarian Response Plan was launched today by the Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, Dr Mike Ryan; UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock; President and CEO of Oxfam America, Abby Maxman; UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi; and Executive Director of the World Food Programme, David Beasley. Dr Ryan emphasized that helping the most vulnerable to confront COVID-19 is not just a moral imperative, it is in enlightened self interest: "It is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. We won't be safe – anywhere on this planet – until all people are safe." Key materials: Global Humanitarian Response Plan: May Update UN News Story: UN and partners launch $6.7 billion appeal for vulnerable countries YouTube recording: Release of updated COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan New guidance on preparedness and response in low capacity and humanitarian settings 7 May 2020 COVID-19 prevention and control measures can be difficult to implement in humanitarian crises or places with low capacity. Testing, isolating and treating people with COVID-19 and tracing their contacts is also challenging in places with weaker health systems. Public health and social measures in these settings must be balanced against other risks, such as lack of income, limited access to basic services, food insecurity, and lack of a social safety net. Measures also need to be pragmatic and leverage the strengths of local structures and systems, notably through social mobilization and strong community engagement. This interim guidance outlines how to adapt COVID-19 prevention and response measures for use in low capacity and humanitarian settings. Key materials: Interim guidance on public health and social measures for COVID-19 preparedness and response in low capacity and humanitarian settings Video summarises key moments in the response so far 6 May 2020 Since first learning of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China on 31 December, WHO has been responding rapidly, working to help countries, communities and individuals keep safe from COVID-19. WHO has issued guidance, convened scientists, called for more equipment for health workers and more. Key materials: Video: How has WHO responded to COVID-19 WHO's Legal Counsel explains how observer status at the World Health Assembly is determined 6 May 2020 In an answer to a journalist's question, WHO's Legal Counsel Derek Walton outlined that the World Health Assembly on 18 and 19 May 2020 will be held virtually, as a de minimis session, which means it will focus principally on the COVID-19 pandemic. He went on to explain that the involvement of observers is a question for the member governments of WHO and that WHO's Secretariat does not decide on such matters. Key materials: COVID-19 Virtual Press conference transcript: 6 May 2020 YouTube recording: WHO Legal Counsel Derek Walton - WHO COVID-19 Daily Press briefing on 06/05/20 WHO marks the International Day of the Midwife and Hand Hygiene Day 5 May 2020 Hand Hygiene Day mobilizes people around the world to increase adherence to hand hygiene in health care facilities. This year, the campaign theme, “Save Lives: Clean your hands”, is aligned with the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and highlights the critical role of nurses and midwives in infection prevention, protecting health care workers and patients. International Day of the Midwife paid tribute to midwives for continuing to show resilience and provide life-saving services to pregnant women, ensuring healthy outcomes for women and their babies – all amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. Chief Nursing Officer Elizabeth Iro took part in the #SafeHands" href="/posts/546/?tag=SafeHands" rel="nofollow">#SafeHands challenge and also visited Geneva University Hospital (HUG) to show WHO's support for nurses and midwives and help promote the message of cleaning hands to save lives. In an online feature story, WHO told the story of Sania, a midwife in a governmental hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, who reassured Razia, a 25-year-old woman expecting her second child, about how she could take COVID-19 precautions to feel more confident after a complicated first birth. The piece went on to detail how patient safety is being improved in Pakistan’s hospitals. Key materials: International Day of the Midwife 2020 webpage Hand Hygiene Day webpage Nurses and midwives are critical to teaching hand hygiene in Pakistan YouTube video by Professor Pittet and WHO's Chief Nursing Officer Elizabeth Iro presenting the 'Save Lives: Clean Your Hands' campaign YouTube video with the Director-General on Hand Hygiene Day - “Nurses and midwives, clean care is in your hands!” WHO's Principal Legal Officer responds to question about 31 December 2019 email sent by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control 4 May 2020 Answering a journalist's question, WHO's Principal Legal Officer Steve Solomon said that Taiwan did not 'warn' WHO on 31 December 2019. They sent an email with a request for more information on cases of atypical pneumonia, reported by news sources. Key materials: Video recording of 4 May media briefing WHO Principal Legal Officer Steven Solomon - WHO Daily Press briefing on 04/05/20 Global pledging event raises over €7.4 billion for COVID-19 research and development 4 May 2020 Leaders from 40 countries came together to support the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator through the COVID-19 Global Response International Pledging Event, hosted by the EU Commission. During the event, some €7.4 billion was pledged for research and development for COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. In his address to the pledging event, the WHO Director-General said: "The ultimate measure of success will not be how fast we can develop tools – it will be how equally we can distribute them. None of us can accept a world in which some people are protected while others remain exposed. This is an opportunity not only to defeat a common enemy, but to forge a common future; a future in which all people enjoy the right to the highest attainable standard of health – and the products that deliver that right. Health for all." Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 4 May 2020 WHO Director-General's opening remarks at on-line pledging event hosted by the European Commission Video recording of 4 May media briefing New partnership with European Investment Bank announced 1 May 2020 WHO and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will boost cooperation to strengthen public health, supply of essential equipment, training, and investment in countries most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase will address urgent needs and strengthen primary health care in ten African countries. The agreement establishes a close collaboration to overcome market failure and stimulate investments in global health, accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage. Key materials: News release: WHO and European Investment Bank strengthen efforts to combat COVID-19 and build resilient health systems to face future pandemics WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 1 May 2020 Video recording of 1 May media briefing Emergency Committee meets for third time on COVID-19 30 April 2020 The Emergency Committee met on 30 April and issued its statement on 1 May. Membership of the Emergency Committee was expanded to reflect the nature of the pandemic and the need to include additional areas of expertise. The Committee unanimously agreed that the outbreak still constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and offered advice to the Director-General, who declared that the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to constitute a PHEIC. The Committee issued advice to WHO on: coordination, planning, and monitoring; One Health; essential health services; risk communication and community engagement; surveillance and travel and trade. The Committee also issued advice to all States Parties on: coordination and collaboration; preparedness; surveillance; additional health measures; health workers; food security; One Health; risk communication and community engagement; research and development; and essential health services. Key materials: Statement on the third meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 1 May 2020 Video recording of 1 May media briefing The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) marks its 20th anniversary 28 April 2020 Fully engaged in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, GOARN partners are commemorating the anniversary by sharing their COVID-19 response activities internationally and nationally to raise awareness of the value of this collaborative model, particularly when every nation faces the same health threat at the same time. GOARN is supporting the COVID-19 pandemic response through the deployment of experts to support teams in countries and for high-level assessment missions, remote access to expert advice to inform outbreak risk assessments and operational planning, addressing research gaps, the development of innovative tools and much more. Key materials: GOARN notice of 20th anniversary Anniversary call to all GOARN partners Video: Go with GOARN WHO addresses parliamentarians on COVID-19 pandemic 28 April 2020 The WHO Director-General, Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme and COVID-19 Technical Lead addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Union's webinar on reducing risks, strengthening emergency preparedness and increasing resilience. Key materials: Webinar link on IPU website WHO Twitter thread of the Director-General's remarks WHO/Europe publishes guidance on the gradual easing of measures taken in response to COVID-19 24 April 2020 WHO's Regional Office for Europe has published key considerations for the gradual easing of the lockdown restrictions introduced by many countries in response to the spread of COVID-19 across the European Region. The transition out of lockdown is set to be a complex and uncertain phase. Challenges and circumstances vary from country to country and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is vital that countries clearly communicate this to the public to build trust and ensure that people observe restrictions specific to their situation. On 17 April, WHO's Regional Director for Europe briefed Ministries of Health about the upcoming guidance. Key materials: News item Technical guidance Infographic 16 April statement by WHO's Regional Director for Europe Global leaders unite to ensure equitable access new vaccines, tests and treatments for COVID-19 24 April 2020 At a virtual event with heads of state and global health leaders WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the launch of the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, or the ACT Accelerator. This is a landmark collaboration to accelerate the development, production and equitable distribution of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for COVID-19. “We will only halt COVID-19 through solidarity,” said Dr Tedros. “Countries, health partners, manufacturers, and the private sector must act together and ensure that the fruits of science and research can benefit everybody.” The event was co-hosted by the World Health Organization, the President of France, the President of the European Commission, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Key materials: News release Call to Action (web version) Call to Action (PDF) WHO Director-General’s remarks Event notice with video stream OpenWHO reaches 2 million course enrollments 23 April 2020 WHO's online learning platform, OpenWHO, offers free COVID-19 training from WHO experts in 17 languages. Recent additions include courses for health workers on good hand hygiene and putting on and removing personal protective equipment. Key materials: OpenWHO's COVID-19 course channel 2020 could see a doubling of malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa compared to 2018 23 April 2020 A modelling analysis released today considered scenarios for potential disruptions in access to core malaria control tools during the COVID-19 pandemic in 41 countries. Under the worst-case scenario, in which all insecticide-treated net (ITN) campaigns are suspended and there is a 75% reduction in access to effective antimalarial medicines, the estimated tally of malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020 would reach 769 000, twice the number of deaths reported in the region in 2018. This would represent a return to malaria mortality levels last seen 20 years ago. Countries across the region have a critical window of opportunity to minimize disruptions in malaria prevention and treatment and save lives at this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. WHO and partners have developed guidance on the prevention of infection through vector control and chemoprevention, testing, treatment of cases, clinical services, supply chain and laboratory activities. Key materials: Statement Guidance: Tailoring malaria interventions in the COVID-19 response The potential impact of health service disruptions on the burden of malaria: a modelling analysis for countries in sub-Saharan Africa WHO collaborates with WTO on resolving disruption to global supply chains 20 April 2020 WHO and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are collaborating to secure vital medical supply lines - ensuring normal cross-border flows and resolving unnecessary disruptions to global supply chains. In a joint statement, WHO and WTO called on Members to continue to ensure that health technologies – including diagnostics, medicines, vaccines and supplies vital to treating COVID-19 patients – reach those in need quickly. Key materials: Joint statement by WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus New joint effort to reach billions who are offline with vital health information 20 April 2020 The World Health Organization and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with support from UNICEF, are set to work with telecommunication companies to text people on their mobile phones with vital health messaging to help protect them from COVID-19. These text messages will reach people that aren’t able to connect to the internet for information. Around the world, an estimated 3.6 billion people remain offline, with most people who are unconnected living in low-income countries.The collaboration will start in the Asia Pacific region and then roll out globally. The goal is to reach everyone with vital health messages, whatever their connectivity level. Key materials: ITU-WHO Joint Statement: Unleashing information technology to defeat COVID-19 WHO Director-General addresses the G20 Health Ministers virtual meeting 19 April 2020 The Director-General thanked the G20 Health Ministers for their commitment to a coordinated approach to responding to COVID-19 and the G20 Summit’s recent statement of support for WHO’s role. He also made three requests: "First, we urge each of your countries to continue to fight the pandemic with determination, guided by science and evidence. Second, we are looking to the G20 countries to continue to support the global response to COVID-19. Third, we call on all G20 countries to work together to increase the production and equitable distribution of essential supplies, and to remove trade barriers that put health workers and their patients at risk." Key materials: WHO Director-General's remarks at the G20 Health Ministers virtual meeting Saudi Arabia - 19 April 2020 WHO Director-General Twitter thread on G20 Health Minister meeting WHO makes joint UN call to fund the global emergency logistics system 19 April 2020 Together with 14 other humanitarian organizations, WHO called on the donor community to urgently support the global emergency supply system to fight COVID-19 with an initial US$350 million to enable a rapid scale-up of logistics common services. Key materials: Joint statement: UN agencies issue urgent call to fund the global emergency supply system to fight COVID-19 One World: Together At Home concert 18 April 2020 WHO and Global Citizen co-hosted a global on-air special to celebrate and support frontline healthcare workers. Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, the broadcast included appearances by Andrea Bocelli, Chris Martin, Eddie Vedder, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, John Legend, Lang Lang, Lizzo, Maluma, Paul McCartney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan and Stevie Wonder. This historic global event was hosted by TV show hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert. It also featured real experiences from doctors, nurses and families around the world. Benefits from the concert will go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, in addition to local and regional charities that provide food, shelter and healthcare to those that need help most. Watch messages from the Director-General and WHO's technical lead for COVID-19, Dr Maria Van Kerkove from the broadcast. Key materials: Recording: ‘One World: Together At Home’ global special News release announcing the concert Interim guidance on adjusting "lockdown" measures issued 16 April 2020 WHO issued guidance on considerations in adjusting public health and social measures, such as large-scale movement restrictions. To minimise the risk of a resurgence when lifting "lockdowns", countries should use six criteria. They should assess whether transmission is controlled; health system capacities are in place; outbreak risks in special settings like nursing homes are minimised; preventive measures are enacted in places that are essential for people to go to; importation risks can be managed and communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the “new norm”. Key materials: Interim guidance: Considerations in adjusting public health and social measures How the World Health Organization works with all people, everywhere 15 April 2020 "Our mandate is to work to promote the health of all people everywhere...without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition." Steven Solomon, Principal Legal Officer, WHO. Interim Ramadan guidance issued 15 April 2020 The guidance includes advice on issues such as: making informed decisions about conducting religious and social gatherings, physical distancing and fasting. Key materials: Safe Ramadan practices in the context of the COVID-19: interim guidance Statement by EMRO's Regional Director on Ramadan during the pandemic A relentless commitment to science, solutions and solidarity 15 April 2020 Speaking at the COVID-19 media briefing, WHO's Director-General stressed that our "commitment to public health, science and to serving all the people of the world without fear or favour remains absolute." "The United States of America has been a longstanding and generous friend to WHO, and we hope it will continue to be so. We regret the decision of the President of the United States to order a halt in funding to the World Health Organization. With support from the people and government of the United States, WHO works to improve the health of many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. In due course, WHO’s performance in tackling this pandemic will be reviewed by WHO’s Member States and the independent bodies that are in place to ensure transparency and accountability. This is part of the usual process put in place by our Member States. No doubt, areas for improvement will be identified and there will be lessons for all of us to learn. But for now, our focus – my focus – is on stopping this virus and saving lives. WHO is grateful to the many nations, organizations and individuals who have expressed their support and commitment to WHO in recent days, including their financial commitment. We welcome this demonstration of global solidarity, because solidarity is the rule of the game to defeat COVID-19. WHO is getting on with the job." Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 15 April 2020 WHO launches a chatbot on Facebook Messenger to combat COVID-19 misinformation 14 April 2020 WHO has launched a Facebook Messenger version of its WHO Health Alert platform – offering instant and accurate information about COVID-19. With this use of Facebook Messenger, and other communication channels related to it, WHO Health Alert has the potential to reach 4.2 billion people – helping people protect themselves from COVID-19, prevent the spread of the virus, and understand the facts related to the disease. Key materials: Web story Message WHO on Facebook Messenger Measles and Rubella Initiative responds to COVID-19 14 April 2020 As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, over 117 million children in 37 countries may miss out on receiving life-saving measles vaccines. The Measles & Rubella Initiative (M&RI) strongly agrees with the recommendation in WHO guidelinesthat governments temporarily pause preventive immunization campaigns where there is no active outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. However, the M&RI also urges countries to continue routine immunization services, while ensuring the safety of communities and health workers. WHO asks governments to undertake a careful risk-benefit analysis when deciding whether to delay vaccination campaigns in response to outbreaks, with the possibility of postponement where risks of COVID-19 transmission are deemed unacceptably high. The Measles & Rubella Initiative (M&RI) is a global partnership, founded by the American Red Cross, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection, UNICEF, the United Nations Foundation and WHO. Key materials: Statement by the Measles & Rubella Initiative: WHO, American Red Cross, U.S. CDC, UNICEF and UN Foundation Guidelines for immunization during COVID-19 COVID-19 Strategy Update released 14 April 2020 The COVID-19 strategy update provides guidance for countries preparing for a phased transition from widespread transmission to a steady state of low-level or no transmission. It aims for all countries to control the pandemic by mobilizing all sectors and communities to prevent and suppress community transmission, reduce mortality and develop safe and effective vaccines and therapeutics. Key materials: COVID-19 Strategy Update Major update to COVID-19 dashboard 14 April 2020 Supported by the WHO Technology for COVID-19 initiative, a pro-bono collaboration of technology companies, WHO released a substantial update to its COVID-19 information dashboard. Users can view: A mobile-friendly version of the dashboard. New and confirmed cases and deaths globally with daily statistics. National info by clicking on any country on the interactive map. Reported cases by WHO region including daily and cumulative statistics. Confirmed cases and deaths, and changes over time in a specific country, region, or territory, on the interactive chart. A new explorer tab designed to provide complex datasets for easy access and use, with variables selectable across three axes. In future, the platform should be updated with new data sets from national and sub-national levels, as well as clinical trials and country-specific public health measures. Key materials: COVID-19 information dashboard Feature story: WHO updates COVID-19 dashboard with better data visualization Major relief airlift will bring vital medical supplies to all African nations 14 April 2020 Today the first United Nations “Solidarity Flight” departed from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From there, vital medical cargo will be transported to all countries in Africa, where supplies are desperately needed to contain the spread of COVID-19. WHO cargo is being transported by the World Food Programme (WFP), and includes a large quantity of medical supplies donated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Jack Ma Foundation Initiative to reverse COVID-19 in Africa. The African Union, through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is providing technical support and coordination for the distribution of the supplies. The crucial WHO cargo includes laboratory supplies to support surveillance and detection, one million face masks, and enough personal protective equipment to enable health workers to care for more than 30 000 patients across the continent. The Government of the United Arab Emirates generously supported this operation, with WHO’s regional logistics hub in Dubai playing a key role in making sure the supplies are prepared and shipped to where they are most needed. Key materials: Joint AU-WFP-WHO News Release Expert group forms to collaborate on vaccine development 13 April 2020 Coordinated by WHO, scientists, physicians, funders and manufacturers have come together to help speed up the availability of a vaccine against COVID-19. Key materials Public statement for collaboration on COVID-19 vaccine development Five Heroic Acts campaign goes live 10 April 2020 COVID-19 response reaches the 100 day mark 9 April 2020 Since WHO was notified of the first cases of “pneumonia with unknown cause” in China., we have been working day and night in five key areas. First, we’ve worked to support countries in building their capacity to prepare and respond. Second, we’ve worked with numerous partners to provide accurate information and fight the infodemic. Third, we’re working hard to ensure supplies of essential medical equipment for frontline health workers. Fourth, we’re working to train and mobilize health workers. Fifth, we’ve accelerated research and development. Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 8 April 2020 Twitter thread timeline of key events from the first 100 days Timeline statement Book released to help children and young people cope with COVID-19 9 April 2020 “My Hero is You, How kids can fight COVID-19!”, a new story book to help children understand and come to terms with COVID-19 has been produced by a collaboration of more than 50 organizations working in the humanitarian sector. More than 1700 children, parents, caregivers and teachers from around the world shared how they were coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped script writer and illustrator Helen Patuck and the project team ensure the book resonated with children from different backgrounds. Howard Donald gave the book's first public reading, as part of the #ReadTheWorld" href="/posts/546/?tag=ReadTheWorld" rel="nofollow">#ReadTheWorld initiative, run by WHO, UNICEF and the International Publishers Association. Key materials: News release of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee 'My Hero is You, Storybook for Children on COVID-19 (PDF available in 12 languages) YouTube recording of public reading by Howard Donald Launch of the UN COVID-19 Supply Chain Task Force 8 April 2020 The Secretary-General Antonio Guterres brought all UN agencies together to contribute to the Supply Chain Task Force, which will focus on dramatically scaling up the supply of life-saving tools and matching supply with needs. Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 8 April 2020 WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 10 April 2020 "Please quarantine politicising COVID-19" 8 April 2020 The WHO Director-General appealed for national unity and global solidarity in responding to COVID-19. To help alleviate suffering and save lives, WHO has been working night and day in five key ways: 1. Helping build countries' capacity to prepare and respond 2. Providing accurate information and fight the infodemic, together with numerous partners 3. Ensuring supplies of essential medical equipment for frontline health workers. 4. Training and mobilizing health workers. 5. Accelerating research and development. Key materials: YouTube recording of WHO Director-General's opening remarks WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 8 April 2020 New tools to help hospitals manage surge in COVID-19 patients 8 April 2020 WHO has released three surge calculators to help with forecasting supplies, diagnostics, equipment requirements, beds needed and estimating how many of each type of health worker are required each day. Key materials: EURO news release WHO COVID-19 Essential Supplies Forecasting Tool (ESFT) - as of 30 March 2020 Adaptt Surge Planning Support Tool - 8 April 2020 Health Workforce Estimator - 8 April 2020 Latest technical guidance for resource planning Ad-hoc consultation on managing the COVID-19 infodemic 8-9 April 2020 Bringing together scientists, public health decision-makers, medical journalists, technology and social media platforms and civil society, this consultation aimed to develop a framework for interventions to help share reliable information, while reducing misinformation, rumours and myths about COVID-19. Topics included raising awareness of the volume of information on the Internet, perceptions of the use of qualified sources for health decision-making and strengthening digital literacy. Nurses and midwives celebrated on World Health Day 7 April 2020 In this International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, World Health Day highlights the critical role played by nurses and midwives, who are at the forefront of the COVID-19 response globally. Our #ThanksHealthHeroes" href="/posts/546/?tag=ThanksHealthHeroes" rel="nofollow">#ThanksHealthHeroes challenge launches, calling on individuals to tell the world about a nurse or a midwife they are personally grateful to. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Chief Nursing Officer Elizabeth Iro held a Facebook Live discussion on COVID-19 with nurses and midwives in Pakistan, Iran, Italy and Malawi. Key materials: The State of the World’s Nursing Report - 2020 World Health Day Campaign page #ThanksHealthHeroes" href="/posts/546/?tag=ThanksHealthHeroes" rel="nofollow">#ThanksHealthHeroes Challenge page Facebook Live on COVID-19 and nursing 133 countries provided with critical supplies 7 April 2020 Since the beginning of the outbreak, the Operations Support and Logistics (OSL) unit at WHO has shipped more than 900 000 surgical masks, 62 000 N95 masks, 1 million gloves, 115 000 gowns, 17 000 goggles and 34 000 face shields to 133 countries. OSL has also shipped COVID-19 testing kits to 126 countries. Key materials: Situation Report 78 - 7 April 2020 Advice on the use of masks 6 April 2020 WHO issued updated guidance on masks, including a new section on advice to decision-makers on mask use by healthy people in communities. Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 6 April 2020 Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19 WHO Twitter thread on use of masks WHO launches #BeActive" href="/posts/546/?tag=BeActive" rel="nofollow">#BeActive campaign with FIFA 6 April 2020 WHO has joined forces with FIFA to launch the #BeActive" href="/posts/546/?tag=BeActive" rel="nofollow">#BeActive campaign on the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to encourage people to be #HealthyAtHome" href="/posts/546/?tag=HealthyAtHome" rel="nofollow">#HealthyAtHome as the world comes together in the fight against COVID-19, today and every day. The campaign kicks off with Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC asking football fans to set aside their rivalries and to come together to #BeActive" href="/posts/546/?tag=BeActive" rel="nofollow">#BeActive. Key materials: News release Launch video with Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool FC) and Marcus Rashford (Manchester United FC) WHO helps boost availability of COVID-19 laboratory supplies in Iraq 5 April 2020 With a global shortage of supplies and equipment to fight the coronavirus pandemic, WHO and Basra University are successfully producing urgently needed laboratory items for testing suspected COVID-19 cases in Iraq. Key materials: News release UN News article Mission to Spain concludes 4 April 2020 Dr Bruce Aylward, Special Adviser to the WHO Director-General, shared findings from his recent mission to Spain at a press briefing held by WHO's Regional Office for Europe. Dr Aylward noted that health-care workers in Spain have worked tirelessly under difficult circumstances to treat COVID-19 patients. The Government introduced strict lockdown measures which helped the country to slow the spread of the disease and gain time to reorganize its health system. Dr Aylward remarked that while COVID-19 led to the hospitalization of many people over the age of 60, there is also a substantial number of younger people in intensive care units and in need of professional care. Key materials: Press conference summary Statement by WHO's Regional Director for Europe IMF and WHO make joint call to protect lives & livelihoods 3 April 2020 WHO held a joint press conference with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaking and taking questions. The conference covered the profound economic impacts of the pandemic, highlighting the importance of debt relief to avoid economic collapse and social welfare programs to ensure people have essentials. The WHO Director-General and IMF Managing Director also co-authored an op-ed arguing that the trade-off between saving lives or jobs is a false dilemma. Key materials: YouTube recording of media briefing WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 3 April 2020 Opening remarks by Kristalina Georgieva Op-ed by Kristalina Georgieva and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Trio of broadcasters donate free airtime to WHO 2 April 2020 BBC Global News, CNN International and Euronews have come together for their first joint initiative to donate free airtime to public health bodies for the promotion of messages to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO is the first body to take up the offer. Its initial campaign will focus on seven steps to prevent the spread of the virus and will run across all three broadcasters. Key materials Press release from BBC, CNN and Euronews #HealthyAtHome" href="/posts/546/?tag=HealthyAtHome" rel="nofollow">#HealthyAtHome campaign begins 2 April 2020 WHO is providing advice to help you and your family be healthy at home, with tips on staying physically active, looking after our mental health, quitting tobacco and healthy parenting. We are also encouraging people to share how they are staying #HealthyAtHome" href="/posts/546/?tag=HealthyAtHome" rel="nofollow">#HealthyAtHome as part of our new challenge. Key materials: #HealthyAtHome" href="/posts/546/?tag=HealthyAtHome" rel="nofollow">#HealthyAtHome campaign website Challenge launch video 'Read the World' launches on International Children’s Book Day 2 April 2020 WHO joined with UNICEF and the International Publishers Association to launch a reading initiative to support children and young people in isolation. The collaboration began with a reading by Italian author Elisabetta Dami, creator of the popular character Geronimo Stilton. Key materials: News release Polio programme supports COVID-19 response 2 April 2020 To reduce the risk of increasing transmission of COVID-19, the Polio Oversight Board made the difficult decision to suspend house-to-house vaccination campaigns. For the next four to six months, Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) programmatic and operational assets and human resources, from global to country level, will be made available to enable a strong response to COVID-19, while maintaining critical polio functions, such as surveillance and global vaccine supply management. Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 3 April 2020 Global Polio Eradication Initiative's Call to action to support COVID-19 response Nigeria’s polio infrastructure bolsters COVID-19 response New tool to analyse COVID-19 responses across Europe launched 2 April 2020 The COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor (HSRM) online platform is a joint undertaking between the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Commission and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. It will systematically map and analyse responses, offer cross-country comparisons and track wider public health initiatives. Key materials: EURO press release COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor WHO in Africa holds first ‘hackathon’ for COVID-19 1 April 2020 WHO’s Regional Office for Africa hosted a virtual ‘hackathon’ bringing together 100 leading innovators to pioneer creative local solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic and to address critical gaps in the regional response. Proposals ranged from mobile-driven self-diagnosis, screening and mapping tools to alternative low-cost methods for producing personal protective equipment (PPE). The three highest ranking groups will now receive seed funding and WHO support to help develop and implement their solutions. Key materials: News release WHO launches chatbot with Rakuten Viber 31 March 2020 Viber is a free messaging and calling app. Once subscribed to the WHO Viber chatbot, users will receive notifications with the latest news and information directly from WHO. Users can also learn how to protect themselves and test their knowledge on coronavirus through an interactive quiz that helps bust myths. Key materials: WHO Viber service Web story Falsified medical products, including in vitro diagnostics, that claim to prevent, detect, treat or cure COVID-19 31 March 2020 This Medical Product Alert warns consumers, healthcare professionals, and health authorities against a growing number of falsified medical products that claim to prevent, detect, treat or cure COVID-19. The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2) has increased demand for medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and reagents, all related to COVID-19, creating an opportunity for ill-intended persons to distribute falsified medical products Due diligence is required from all actors in the procurement, use and administration of medical products, in particular those affected by the current crisis of, or related to, COVID-19. At this stage, WHO does not recommend any medicines to treat or cure COVID-19. However, the SOLIDARITY trial, led by WHO, is reviewing potential treatments for COVID-19. Key documents: News Release Medical Product Alert N°3/2020 Updated guidance on maintaining access to health services 30 March 2020 Previous outbreaks have shown that when health systems are overwhelmed, deaths from vaccine-preventable and other treatable conditions can also increase dramatically. WHO has updated operational planning guidelines to help countries balance the demands of responding directly to COVID-19 while maintaining essential health service delivery, protecting health care workers and mitigating the risk of system collapse. Key materials: Operational guidance for maintaining essential health services during an outbreak News release on maintaining essential services New guide to help countries expand access to essential medicines WHO WhatsApp health alert launches in Arabic, French and Spanish 27 March 2020 Today, WHO is launching dedicated messaging services in Arabic, French and Spanish with partners WhatsApp and Facebook to keep people safe from coronavirus. This easy-to-use messaging service has the potential to reach 2 billion people and enables WHO to get information directly into the hands of the people that need it. From government leaders to health workers and family and friends, this messaging service will provide the latest news and information on coronavirus including details on symptoms and how people can protect themselves and others. It also provides the latest situation reports and numbers in real-time to help government decision-makers protect the health of their populations. The service can be accessed by a link that opens a conversation on WhatsApp. Users can simply type “hi”, "salut", "hola" or "مرحبا" to activate the conversation, prompting a menu of options that can help answer their questions about COVID-19. Join WHO's Health Alert on WhatsApp: Arabic Send "مرحبا" to +41 22 501 70 23 on WhatsApp wa.me/41225017023?text=مرحبا French Send "salut" to +41 22 501 72 98 on WhatsApp wa.me/41225017298?text=salut Spanish Send "hola" to +41 22 501 76 90 on WhatsApp wa.me/41225017690?text=hola English Send "hi" to +41 79 893 18 92 on WhatsApp wa.me/41798931892?text=hi Extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit on COVID-19 26 March 2020 Addressing the Extraordinary Summit on COVID-19, chaired by King Salman of Saudi Arabia, the WHO Director-General called on G20 leaders to fight, unite, and ignite against COVID-19. Key materials: News release WHO Director General's remarks at the Extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit on COVID-19 - 26 March 2020 Mission to Egypt concludes 25 March 2020 The team of experts noted the "significant work" being done by Egypt, "especially in the areas of early detection, laboratory testing, isolation, contact tracing and referral of patients". With support from WHO and other partners, Egypt now has the capacity to conduct up to 200,000 tests. WHO will work with national health authorities to enhance the isolation, quarantine and referral mechanisms, and scale up infection prevention and control practices to ensure that patients and health workers are protected. Key materials: EMRO News Release UN launches COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan to #InvestInHumanity" href="/posts/546/?tag=InvestInHumanity" rel="nofollow">#InvestInHumanity 25 March 2020 The UN today issued a $2 billion appeal to fight coronavirus in the most vulnerable countries. Properly funded, it will provide laboratory materials for testing, supplies to protect health workers and medical equipment to treat the sick. It will bring water and sanitation to places facing shortages, and will help humanitarian workers and supplies get to where they are needed most to support the COVID-19 response. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus joined UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the plan's virtual launch, together with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock and UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. Writing in the Washington Post, the WHO Director-General and UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs co-authored a piece calling on countries to fund the plan while sustaining support for existing humanitarian and refugee response plans. Key materials: Global Humanitarian Response Plan: UN Coordinated Appeal (April-December 2020) OCHA News Story: UN issues $2 billion appeal to combat COVID-19 YouTube recording: Launch of the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan Washington Post piece: The coronavirus threatens all of humanity. All of humanity must fight back. UN Secretary General's Remarks Off-label use of medicines for COVID-19 25 March 2020 No pharmaceutical products have yet been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of COVID-19. However, a number of medicines have been suggested as potential investigational therapies, many of which are now being or will soon be studied in clinical trials, including the SOLIDARITY trial co-sponsored by WHO and participating countries. In many countries, doctors are giving COVID-19 patients medicines that have not been approved for this disease. The use of licensed medicines for indications that have not been approved by a national medicines regulatory authority is considered “off-label” use. The prescription of medicines for off-label use by doctors may be subject to national laws and regulations. All health care workers should be aware of and comply with the laws and regulations governing their practice. Further, such prescribing should be done on a case-by-case basis. Unnecessary stockpiling and the creation of shortages of approved medicines that are required to treat other diseases should be avoided. It can be ethically appropriate to offer individual patients experimental interventions on an emergency basis outside clinical trials, provided that no proven effective treatment exists; it is not possible to initiate clinical studies immediately; the patient or his or her legal representative has given informed consent; and the emergency use of the intervention is monitored, and the results are documented and shared in a timely manner with the wider medical and scientific community.[1] The decision to offer a patient an unproven or experimental treatment is between the doctor and the patient but must comply with national law. Where it is possible and feasible for the treatment to be given as part of a clinical trial, this should be done unless the patient declines to participate in the trial. If it is not possible to give the treatment as part of a clinical trial, appropriate records of the use of the medicine must be kept, in compliance with national law, and outcomes for patients should be monitored and recorded. If early results from an unproven or experimental treatment are promising, the treatment should be studied in the context of a formal clinical trial to establish its safety, efficacy, risks, and benefits. WHO and FIFA team up on campaign to kick out coronavirus 23 March 2020 WHO and FIFA launched the “Pass the message to kick out coronavirus” campaign, led by world-renowned footballers. The campaign promotes five key steps for people to follow to protect their health in line with WHO guidance, focused on hand washing, coughing etiquette, not touching your face, physical distance and staying home if feeling unwell. “We need teamwork to combat the coronavirus,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “FIFA has teamed up with WHO because health comes first. I call upon the football community worldwide to join us in supporting this campaign to pass the message even further. Some of the greatest players to have played the beautiful game have put their names to the campaign and are united in their desire to pass the message to kick out COVID-19." Twenty-eight players are involved in the video campaign, which is being published in 13 languages. Key materials: Video: Pass the message: Five steps to kicking out coronavirus News release: Pass the message: Five steps to kicking out coronavirus - with social tiles WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 23 March 2020 YouTube recording of media briefing Video clips for broadcasters WHO Health Alert for coronavirus launches on WhatsApp 20 March 2020 To increase access to reliable information, WHO worked with WhatsApp and Facebook to launch a new WHO Health Alert messaging service today. The WhatsApp-based service will provide vital information about COVID-19 to millions of people through their mobile phones. The services uses an AI chatbot to provide updated information on the pandemic, including how to protect yourself, questions and answers, and the latest news and press coverage. The Health Alert service is now available in English and will be introduced in other languages next week. This is part of WHO's wider initiative to work with technology companies to get accurate health information into the hands of people that need it at this critical time. Key materials: News release Link to receive messages from the WHO Health Alert on WhatsApp Young people "are not invincible" 20 March 2020 Speaking at the COVID-19 media briefing, the Director-General said: "Although older people are the hardest hit, younger people are not spared. Data from many countries clearly show that people under 50 make up a significant proportion of patients requiring hospitalization. Today, I have a message for young people: you are not invincible. This virus could put you in hospital for weeks, or even kill you. Even if you don’t get sick, the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else. I’m grateful that so many young people are spreading the word and not the virus." Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 20 March 2020 YouTube recording of media briefing Video clips for broadcasters #AskWHO" href="/posts/546/?tag=AskWHO" rel="nofollow">#AskWHO on disability considerations during COVID-19 19 March 2020 The impact of COVID-19 is "felt by different groups in different ways". Expert Lindsay Lee emphasises that everyone has a critical role to play to protect people with disability during the COVID-19, in her #AskWHO" href="/posts/546/?tag=AskWHO" rel="nofollow">#AskWHO public Q&A session. Key materials: Periscope recording of the #AskWHO" href="/posts/546/?tag=AskWHO" rel="nofollow">#AskWHO on disability considerations during COVID-19 UN Secretary-General calls for solidarity, hope and political will 19 March 2020 The coronavirus pandemic is a crisis unlike any in the UN's 75-year history. During his press briefing on COVID-19, UN Secretary-General António Guterres asked world leaders to come together and offer an urgent and coordinated global response. Key materials: YouTube recording of the press briefing WHO Regional Office for Africa holds joint COVID-19 media briefing with World Economic Forum 19 March 2020 Speakers included Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa and WHO Country Representatives Dr Lucile Imboua-Niava (Senegal) and Dr Owen Kaluwa (South Africa). Many questions remain about how the pandemic will evolve in Africa. Of particular concern is the potential vulnerability of the roughly 26 million people living with HIV, and the 58 million children with malnutrition on the continent. Key materials YouTube recording of the briefing World Economic Forum COVID-19 Action Platform AFRO News Release: More than 600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Africa AFRO News Release: Rapid Response Teams are racing against the spread of COVID in Africa Launch of SOLIDARITY trial 18 March 2020 WHO and partners are launching an international clinical trial that aims to generate robust data from around the world to find the most effective treatments for COVID-19. The SOLIDARITY trial provides simplified procedures to enable even overloaded hospitals to participate. Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 18 March 2020 Periscope recording of the media briefing Video clips for broadcasters More than 320 000 learners enrol in online COVID-19 courses 18 March 2020 Real-time training during global emergencies is critical for effective preparedness and response. The OpenWHO Massive Online Open Courses for COVID-19 provide learning resources for health professionals, decision-makers and the public. More than 320 000 learners have already enrolled. As the pandemic continues to evolve, new resources will be added, additional language versions will continue to be rolled out, and existing courses will be updated to best reflect the changing context. Courses include: Operational Planning Guidelines to Support Country Preparedness and Response Infection Prevention and Control Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) and basic hygiene measures to protect against infection Clinical Care Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Emerging respiratory viruses, including COVID-19: methods for detection, prevention, response and control More information: Managing epidemics: key facts about major deadly diseases WHO calls for urgent, aggressive actions to combat COVID-19, as cases soar in South-East Asia Region 17 March 2020 The World Health Organization today called on Member states in South-East Asia Region to urgently scale-up aggressive measures to combat COVID-19, as confirmed cases cross 480, and the disease claims eight lives. Key Materials Press release New guidance on people affected by humanitarian crises 17 March 2020 To avoid the neglect and stigmatization of individuals in groups such as asylum seekers, internally displaced people and refugees, this interim guidance outlines 'Scaling-up COVID-19 Outbreak in Readiness and Response Operations in Camps and Camp-like Settings'. WHO jointly developed the guidance with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Key materials: Interim Guidance on Scaling-up COVID-19 Outbreak in Readiness and Response Operations in Camps and Camp-like Settings (jointly developed by IFRC, IOM, UNHCR and WHO) Statement by Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, on the COVID-19 crisis #TogetherAtHome" href="/posts/546/?tag=TogetherAtHome" rel="nofollow">#TogetherAtHome online concert series starts 16 March 2020 Chris Martin played a mini gig at home to kick off #TogetherAtHome" href="/posts/546/?tag=TogetherAtHome" rel="nofollow">#TogetherAtHome, a virtual no-contact concert series that aims to promote physical distancing and taking action for global health, presented by WHO and Global Citizen. More Solidarity Sessions are planned to promote health, to show support for people who are staying at home to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, and to encourage donations to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. View this post on Instagram Chris played a mini gig at home earlier today on IG Live. @https://twitter.com/glblctzn" rel="nofollow">glblctzn @https://twitter.com/WHO" rel="nofollow">WHO @https://twitter.com/JohnLegend" rel="nofollow">JohnLegend #TogetherAtHome" href="/posts/546/?tag=TogetherAtHome" rel="nofollow">#TogetherAtHome A post shared by Coldplay (@https://twitter.com/coldplay" rel="nofollow">coldplay) on Mar 16, 2020 at 5:21pm PDT Key materials: Instagram video of Coldplay #TogetherAtHome" href="/posts/546/?tag=TogetherAtHome" rel="nofollow">#TogetherAtHome session COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund "You cannot fight a fire blindfolded." 16 March 2020 Countries should test every suspected case of COVID-19. If people test positive, they should be isolated and the people they have been in close contact with up to 2 days before they developed symptoms should be sought out, and those people should be tested too if they show symptoms of COVID-19. WHO also advises that all confirmed cases, even mild cases, should be isolated in health facilities, to prevent transmission and provide adequate care. But we recognize that many countries have already exceeded their capacity to care for mild cases in dedicated health facilities. In that situation, countries should prioritize older patients and those with underlying conditions. Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 16 March 2020 Full video of Press Conference - 16 March 2020 Video clips for broadcasters WHO Mission to Iraq covers detection and response 15 March 2020 The mission, which comprised experts from the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office and from WHO headquarters in Geneva, held a series of meetings with national health authorities to identify the disease detection dynamics and at-risk populations, in addition to providing guidance on strengthening response and control measures. The mission also reviewed the Ministry’s overall readiness to deal with a potential increase in case reporting and the priority of establishing an Emergency Operation Centre to speed up action now that the disease has been announced as a global pandemic. Key materials: News release Video clip from MOH and mission press conference Launch of #SafeHands" href="/posts/546/?tag=SafeHands" rel="nofollow">#SafeHands Challenge 13 March 2020 WHO launched the #SafeHands" href="/posts/546/?tag=SafeHands" rel="nofollow">#SafeHands Challenge to promote the power of clean hands fo fight the coronavirus. To support the challenge to encourage people to clean their hands with soap or alcohol-based hand rub, Twitter created a new #HandWashing" href="/posts/546/?tag=HandWashing" rel="nofollow">#HandWashing emoji. Heads of State, footballers, singers and more have already taken part, with more people nominated to join the challenge every day. Europe becomes epicenter of the pandemic 13 March 2020 Europe now has more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China. More cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic. Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 13 March 2020 Periscope reading of press briefing Video for broadcasters Updated clinical guidance 13 March 2020 Key materials Interim guidance: Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected WHO, UN Foundation and partners launch first-of-its-kind COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund 13 March 2020 A new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Solidarity Response Fund will raise money from a wide range of donors to support the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners to help countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund, the first-of-its-kind, enables private individuals, corporations and institutions anywhere in the world to come together to directly contribute to global response efforts, and has been created by the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, together with WHO. Key Materials: The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund Press release Audio file of press conference - 13 March WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 13 March 2020 Expert mission to Iran concludes 12 March 2020 A five-day expert mission to Iran with experts from WHO, GOARN partners, Robert Koch Institute in Berlin and the Chinese Center for Disease Control has concluded. “Everybody in the country is engaged in this response. The right and timely public health measures implemented on [an] adequate scale will make a difference,” said Dr Richard Brennan, WHO Regional Emergency Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region and mission team lead. Looking forward, Dr Brennan said more work needs to be done to protect health workers. The mission also held constructive discussions on ways to advance epidemiological data collection and analysis. Key materials: News release Azerbaijan welcomes WHO mission 12 March 2020 During its 5-day mission, a team of WHO experts worked with the national response committee on developing a national preparedness and response plan for COVID-19. The Government of Azerbaijan is contributing to global efforts to address COVID-19, coordinating with neighbouring countries, and has pledged US$ 5 million to WHO’s strategic preparedness and response plan. Key materials: News release WHO characterizes COVID-19 as a pandemic 11 March 2020 Speaking at the COVID-19 media briefing, the WHO Director-General said: "WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction. We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death. Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this virus. It doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do. We have never before seen a pandemic sparked by a coronavirus. This is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus. And we have never before seen a pandemic that can be controlled, at the same time." Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 11 March 2020 Periscope recording of the press conference WHO issues schools guidance with UNICEF and IFRC 10 March 2020 WHO, UNICEF and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) outline critical considerations and practical checklists to keep schools safe, with helpful tips for parents and caregivers, as well as children and students themselves. Key materials News release Guidance: Key Messages and Actions for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Schools Mental health and COVID-19 10 March 2020 WHO is providing guidance to help people manage fear, stigma and discrimination during COVID-19. In the #AskWHO" href="/posts/546/?tag=AskWHO" rel="nofollow">#AskWHO film below, expert Aiysha Malik answers public questions about mental health and preventing stress during the outbreak. Key materials Guidance: Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak #AskWHO" href="/posts/546/?tag=AskWHO" rel="nofollow">#AskWHO Q&A with Aiysha Malik “The rule of the game is: never give up.” 9 March 2020 “We are not at the mercy of this virus,” said the WHO Director-General at the 9 March media briefing. All countries must aim to stop transmission and prevent the spread of COVID-19, whether they face no cases, sporadic cases, clusters or community transmission. “Let hope be the antidote to fear. Let solidarity be the antidote to blame. Let our shared humanity be the antidote to our shared threat" Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 9 March 2020 Periscope recording of the press conference Interim guidance on critical preparedness, readiness and response actions 8 March 2020 Drawing on existing materials, this guidance describes the preparedness, readiness and response actions for four different transmission scenarios: 1. No cases 2. Sporadic cases: 1 or more cases, imported or locally detected 3. Clusters of cases in time, geographic location and/or common exposure 4. Community transmission: larger outbreaks of local transmission Key materials Critical preparedness, readiness and response actions for COVID-19 WHO Director-General Twitter thread listing examples of national containment and preparedness measures Marking 100 000 cases 7 March 2020 Marking this sombre moment, WHO reminded all countries and communities that the spread of this virus can be significantly slowed or even reversed through the implementation of robust containment and control activities. Every effort to contain the virus and slow the spread saves lives. These efforts give health systems and all of society much needed time to prepare, and researchers more time to identify effective treatments and develop vaccines. Allowing uncontrolled spread should not be a choice of any government, as it will harm not only the citizens of that country but affect other countries as well. We must stop, contain, control, delay and reduce the impact of this virus at every opportunity. Every person has the capacity to contribute, to protect themselves, to protect others, whether in the home, the community, the healthcare system, the workplace or the transport system. Key materials Statement on cases of COVID-19 surpassing 100 000 Situation dashboard WHO publishes draft R&D blueprint draft for COVID-19 6 March 2020 "Research—implemented as policy and practice—can save lives and needs to be integrated into the response from the start." The R&D roadmap for COVID-19 outlines research priorities in 9 key areas. These include the natural history of the virus, epidemiology, diagnostics, clinical management, ethical considerations and social sciences, as well as longer-term goals for therapeutics and vaccines. Key materials A coordinated Global Research Roadmap R&D Blueprint page for COVID-19 WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 6 March 2020 Launch of Be Ready campaign 5 March 2020 WHO launches a new social media campaign called Be Ready for COVID-19, which urges people to be safe, smart and kind. 'Be Ready' was launched because everyone can prepare for COVID-19, including individuals, governments and businesses. We're calling on people to Be Safe by remembering tried & tested public health measures, like regular hand washing & staying at least 1 metre (3 feet) from anyone coughing or sneezing. These ordinary measures are extraordinarily effective at fighting COVID-19. We're asking people to Be Smart about COVID-19 by rejecting rumours & taking care to only share information from trusted sources. Everyone should keep informed about what is happening in their area and follow the recommendations of local authorities. We're reminding people to Be Kind through addressing stigma and looking out for one another - especially the most vulnerable and those in isolation. Compassion can combat #COVID19" href="/posts/546/?tag=COVID19" rel="nofollow">#COVID19. Below is a tweet from footballer Paul Pogba getting involved with the campaign. Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 5 March 2020 “The whole government should be involved” 5 March 2020 Speaking at the COVID-19 media briefing, the Director-General emphasized that the COVID-19 epidemic “can be pushed back, but only with a collective coordinated and comprehensive approach that engages the entire machinery of government.” Key materials: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 5 March 2020 Periscope recording of the press conference Video clips for the broadcasters Daily COVID-19 situation report “This is unprecedented" 4 March 2020 Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's technical lead for COVID-19, outlines the wealth of knowledge generated about this new disease in just eight weeks. Shortage of personal protective equipment endangering health workers worldwide 3 Mar 2020 WHO has shipped nearly half a million sets of personal protective equipment to 47 countries, but the global supply is rapidly depleting. Shortages are leaving doctors, nurses and other frontline workers dangerously ill-equipped to care for COVID-19 patients, due to limited access to supplies such as gloves, medical masks, respirators, goggles, face shields, gowns, and aprons. To meet rising global demand, WHO estimates that industry must increase manufacturing by 40 per cent.