This page brings together information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that was first reported in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019. Please visit this page for daily updates. WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.
Coronavirus global health emergency: Coverage from UN News
As Burkina Faso grapples with COVID-19, new UN data reveals ‘alarming deterioration’ in food security
An estimated 3.3 million people in Burkina Faso are facing acute food insecurity, two United Nations agencies warned on Friday.
COVID-19: African countries urged to promote a safe return to school
School closures implemented to protect students from COVID-19, are hurting them in other ways, while the long-term impact of this disruption to education could create a “lost generation” in Africa, two UN agencies said on Thursday.
G20 countries urged to stop ‘COVID generation’ from being locked out of the classroom
A group of 275 former world leaders, economists and business leaders on Wednesday, urged the G20 group of leading industrialized nations to help stop the pandemic from leaving tens of millions of children from becoming known as the "COVID generation", denied a proper education.
Syria constitutional reform talks hold promise for new social contract
Constitutional reform talks between Syria’s Government and opposition leaders next week in Geneva, offer an opportunity to reconcile differences and establish a social contract with people across the country, who are desperate for progress after more than nine years of war, the Special Envoy told the Security Council on Wednesday.
South Sudan’s humanitarian challenges intensified by COVID-19
August 19th marks World Humanitarian Day, a day to commemorate humanitarian workers worldwide, who dedicate themselves to protecting and saving the lives of millions around the globe.
2020 has been a particularly challenging year, as a result of the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO chief warns against COVID-19 ‘vaccine nationalism’, urges support for fair access
Warning against “vaccine nationalism” in the COVID-19 pandemic, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has again underlined the importance of global solidarity in addressing the crisis.
Supporting communities and refugees in Lebanon a ‘top priority’: UNHCR chief
The head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) is in Lebanon to drive home the message of solidarity with all those affected by the devastating blast a fortnight ago, reaching out to both Lebanese and the many refugees and migrants sheltering in the country.
Virtual Concert unites Pacific with the world in battling COVID-19
The first-of-its-kind televised and digitally streamed Pacific Unite: Saving Lives Together concert called on regional leaders and citizens to unite in the global fight against COVID-19, the United Nations said on Saturday.
WHO chief calls for solidarity in financing, ensuring equal access to future COVID-19 vaccine
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that six months after first sounding the international alarm over COVID-19, the UN agency is now intensely focused on shepherding global vaccine candidates through the necessary trials, and guaranteeing rapid, fair and equitable access to them for all countries.
Amid COVID-19, UN commitment to peace ‘more urgent than ever’
COVID-19 threatens not only hard-won development and peacebuilding gains, but also “risks exacerbating conflicts or fomenting new ones”, the UN chief reminded the Security Council on Wednesday, during a briefing on the challenges to achieving sustainable peace, while pandemics ravage communities worldwide.