UNESCO battles 'disinfodemic' over rise of false pandemic information
Disinformation and misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic pose a 'grave danger' to people around the world.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is the United Nations’ specialized agency for international public health. Headquartered in Geneva, it coordinates global responses to health emergencies, sets data-driven standards, and promotes universal health coverage. Guided by the principle that health is a fundamental human right, WHO works with 194 member nations to combat infectious diseases, strengthen resilient health care systems, and ensure well-being for the world’s most vulnerable.
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AfDB announces $10 billion virus plan
The African Development Bank Group launched emergency measures to provide up to $10 billion in credit for those struggling with the coronavirus pandemic.
WHO chief repudiates Trump scapegoating
Two weeks after praising U.S. leadership in the pandemic, the U.N. health agency chief pushed back against White House attempts at scapegoating.
Alarm as COVID-19 cases surpass 1 million
Infections surpassed 1 million and deaths exceeded 52,000 in the coronavirus pandemic, forcing lockdowns for half the world and economic collapse.
Uprooted 70 million at risk in virus spread
The coronavirus pandemic threatens to disproportionately harm more than 70 million people who have been forcibly displaced by wars and violent crises.
Virus fears amplify appeals for Syria peace
Human rights experts warily eyeing the first cases of coronavirus in Syria renewed long-ignored calls for an end to the war, this time in the name of health.
G-20 pledges $5 trillion to fight virus
G-20 major economies promised to spend more than $5 trillion to prop up the global economy and hasten recovery from the pandemic.
U.N. launches $2 billion anti-virus plan
The U.N. asked governments and private donors to provide $2 billion to meet emergency health needs in the poorest countries coping with the pandemic.
IOC and Japan postpone Tokyo Olympics
In an unprecedented move, the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo will be postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
U.N. urges cease-fire as cases near 400,000
The U.N. chief called for a global cease-fire to help vanquish the pandemic, imploring warring parties to disarm and fight the virus as a "common enemy."
Europe's mixed progress toward U.N. goals
Air pollution levels exceed recommended health limits in all but 10 mainly European countries, but most lowered carbon emissions and expanded forest cover.
WHO and foundations launch virus fund
WHO and two international foundations launched a first-of-its-kind fund to help vulnerable populations and weak health systems cope with the pandemic.
Global trade services growth weakens as coronavirus spreads
The World Trade Organization's services trade barometer shows a further decline from last September.
WHO: World's first coronavirus pandemic
WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic — the global spread of a new disease — marking the first time a coronavirus has gained that distinction.
U.N. warns of $2 trillion in economic losses from coronavirus
Trade economists who advise the U.N. said COVID-19 could push nations into recession and depress global annual growth.
Nuclear watchdog agency to help in global fight against coronavirus
IAEA says countries in need of help can get training in nuclear science knowhow to tackle disease transmission.