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
UN General Assembly calls for swift global access to coronavirus vaccinations
The United Nations General Assembly is asking the Secretary-General to look into ways to ensure that all those in need - particularly in the developing world – get free, fair and swift access to vaccines, and other medicines, to combat the COVID-19 virus.
UN agencies pledge scaled-up efforts to protect uprooted children as pandemic upends lives
Two UN agency chiefs are pledging to accelerate work to expand refugee children’s access to protection, education, clean water and sanitation, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the globe.
Lifting lockdowns does not signal the end of COVID-19: WHO chief
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its stance on the lifting of lockdown measures aimed at protecting the public against the spread of COVID-19.
Bringing Nollywood star power to Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19: a UN Resident Coordinator blog
All of the UN bodies in Nigeria are working closely together, to ensure that the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is effective, and saves as many lives as possible. By the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon.
UN issues appeal to bolster COVID-19 ‘logistics backbone’, warns global response could stutter to a halt
The heads of major UN humanitarian agencies and offices have launched an urgent appeal for $350 million to support global aid hubs to help those most at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19: Actors Idris and Sabrina Elba launch new UN fund for rural farmers
A new global coronavirus relief fund launched on Monday by actor, filmmaker and humanitarian Idris Elba and actress, model and activist Sabrina Dhowre Elba on behalf of the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on farmers and rural communities in developing countries.
Displaced and stateless women and girls face heightened risk of violence amid coronavirus pandemic
As COVID-19 continues to take lives and change communities around the world, the virus is also creating massive protection risks for women and girls forced to flee their homes, a top official at the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Monday, stressing that global protection staff are on high alert and adapting life-saving support programmes for those subjected to violence.
Onset of COVID-19 pandemic boosts support for international cooperation
Initial results of a UN initiative to help decide the future direction of the Organization have revealed overwhelming support for international cooperation, which has grown significantly since COVID-19 began spreading around the world.