The COVID-19 crisis has exposed gaps in social protection coverage in developing countries, and recovery will only be sustained, and future crises prevented if they can transform their ad hoc crisis response measures into social protection systems, according to the . While the virus does not discriminate between rich and poor, its effects are highly uneven. The brief also warns policymakers to avoid a singular focus on COVID-19 and not reduce access to care for other conditions.
’s focus on inequality and poverty makes them uniquely positioned to help countries to prepare, respond, and fully recover from the pandemic. UNDP conducts quick assessments of the social and economic blowback from COVID-19, so governments can ensure urgent recovery measures and longer-term social protection, especially for the disadvantaged and marginalized. The US$30 million Rapid Response Facility provides funds within 72 hours, and more than 83 countries have benefitted.
As the Coronavirus pandemic spreads through Latin America, the is warning that many displaced indigenous communities are now dangerously exposed and at risk. National lockdowns have also ground to a halt many of their livelihood activities, such as farming, the selling of produce and handicraft production. UNHCR works with national governments to ensure COVID-19 prevention measures and assistance reaches remote areas where these groups have found safety.
The African continent looks like it could be the worst hit from the economic fallout of the crisis: 80 million Africans could be pushed into extreme poverty if action is not taken. And disruptions in food systems raise the prospect of more Africans falling into hunger. Rural people, many of whom work on small-scale farms, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the crisis. therefore urges that the COVID-19 response address food security and target the rural poor.
latest data shows restrictions in place in 100% of destinations. Without a strong and vital tourism sector, many millions of jobs and small businesses are at risk.
As volunteers fill gaps to COVID-19 response, promotes the distinctive strengths of volunteerism that can be applied across COVID-19 preparation, response and recovery.
reports on chronic bee paralysis, a viral disease of honeybees. It can cause rare, but severe, symptoms, including colony loss. Trade in honeybees has increased its prevalence.
Yemen: COVID-19 through the eyes of a health-care worker
and the International Council of Museums confirm that museums have been especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 90% of them, or more than 85,000 institutions, having closed their doors. Nearly 13% of museums around the world may never reopen. The two studies were aimed at assessing the impact of COVID-19 on museums. They also aimed to find out how the sector had adapted to the pandemic and explore ways to support institutions in its aftermath.
As countries fight their own battles against the same virus, WHO’s presence has never been more essential. works to connect the best minds from around the world to solve this crisis together. The Organization’s work is focussed on promoting the roles of evidence-based science, guided by the United Nations’ principles of neutrality, impartiality, human rights and equity. WHO is working to gather data and continue .
Women are at the heart of care and response efforts for the pandemic.
WHO is uniting across borders to speed up the development of tests, treatments and a vaccine for COVID-19, while continuing our work to promote health and serve the vulnerable. Now more than ever the world needs WHO.
The persistence of obstetric fistula, one of the most serious injuries that can occur during childbirth, is a tragic sign of social injustice and inequity in developing countries. This failure of health systems could grow greater in times of COVID-19. This International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, the theme is: "End gender inequality! End health inequities! End Fistula now!". Efforts to end fistula should continue. Universal access to quality maternal health care, preventive measures, and increased attention to affected women and girls should be a priority right now.
When a 45-year-old Russian seafarer aboard a large cargo ship began to show signs of suffering a stroke, in mid-April, the ship’s captain was immediately alerted. Global Voyager Assistance, a remote medical assistance provider, confirmed the stroke diagnosis. But the ship was more than 220 km from the nearest port, and the port authorities rejected initial appeals for emergency medical assistance, due to COVID-19 restrictions in place. Despite repeated requests from the vessel’s captain, the seafarer’s national trade union and that of the country the ship was headed for, the ship could not enter port. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) called on two UN agencies, the International Maritime Organization () and the International Labour Organization (), to intervene urgently.
It may seem obvious to an adult, but to a child it may not be so clear that they aren’t to blame if they get sick with COVID-19.