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
Ravages of acute hunger will likely hit six in 10 in Zimbabwe: WFP
The World Food Programme (WFP) is urgently seeking more international support to prevent millions of Zimbabweans plunging deeper into hunger. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated an already severe hunger crisis in Zimbabwe, UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.
COVID-19: UN chief outlines path to sustainable, inclusive recovery in Southeast Asia
Tackling inequality, bridging the digital divide, greening the economy, and upholding human rights and good governance will be critical for Southeast Asia to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN Secretary-General said on Thursday.
Wisdom of indigenous peoples is being lost, warns UN Latin America chief
In Latin America, indigenous people, many of whom who lack access to health facilities or clean water, are being particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alicia Bárcena, the head of ECLAC, the UN body for the region – together with the Caribbean - who worked with Maya communities early in her career, is concerned by the health risks faced by indigenous people, as well as poverty in Latin America, which is rising, following years of progress.
Learning can counter COVID-19 crisis and give hope, says UN education partner
In an emergency, education isn’t perhaps the first priority that springs to mind, when it comes to helping people in crisis.
In fact, it’s increasingly understood that keeping children in an organized learning environment, is among the best things that you can do, both for students themselves, and their families.
COVID-19 is not just seasonal, cautions WHO, as ‘first wave’ continues
The COVID-19 virus is likely not impacted by the changing seasons like other respiratory diseases, the UN health agency said on Tuesday, before urging much greater respect for physical distancing measures to stop it spreading.
Coronavirus: Reshape the urban world to aid ‘ground zero’ pandemic cities
Cities have proved to be “ground zero” the world over for the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN chief said on Tuesday, encouraging leaders everywhere to “rethink and reshape the urban world” as we recover.
Trade pact could boost Africa’s income by as much as $450 billion: World Bank
The African Continental Free Trade Area represents a major opportunity for countries to boost growth, reduce poverty, broaden economic inclusion and help “expand opportunities for all Africans”, hailed a World Bank official on Monday, which if fully implemented, could boost regional income by around $450 billion.
We must all accept hard choices if we’re to beat COVID-19, urges WHO
Governments everywhere should adopt a much more focused approach to stopping coronavirus transmission if they want to avoid having to impose sweeping lockdowns once again.
COVID-19 means development setbacks for Mongolia: a UN Resident Coordinator blog
Mongolia has recorded very few cases of COVID-19, less than 300 to date, despite its more than 4,000 kilometre porous border with China. However, the country faces a major economic impact from the pandemic, says Tapan Mishra, the UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia.
Zimbabwe: COVID-19 must not be used to stifle freedoms, says UN rights office
The coronavirus pandemic should not be used as an excuse to clamp down on fundamental freedoms, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reminded authorities in Zimbabwe on Friday.