IUNW Hails WHO Readiness to Tackle COVID-19
International United Nations Watch (IUNW) welcomes WHO’s efforts to combat the devastating spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Since the virus first emerged in late December 2019, WHO has been actively engaged in informing the public about the virus and the safety measures needed to stop its global spread. Early warning measures included issuance of guidelines for the protection of children and their schooling. In partnership with the UN, WHO also launched a prototype COVID-19 solidarity fund, the first of its kind.
WHO disseminated materials advising pregnant women how to fight the pandemic, urged immediate support for health personnel in general while pointing out how the global shortfall of protective equipment is adds to the hazards medical workers trying to contain the virus face worldwide.
International United Nations Watch (IUNW) notes and applauds the launch of the invaluable “WHO Health Alert messaging service via @WhatsApp”, which was recently announced by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The new service is intended to provide “the latest news & information on #COVID19, including details on symptoms and how to protect yourself,” according to WHO. To broaden its impact and awareness–raising effectiveness, IUNW urges WHO to make this innovative service available in as many languages as possible and not just in the five official languages of the UN.
International United Nations Watch urges that specific steps be taken to ensure that vulnerable groups, including migrants and refugees, as well as the elderly, the homeless and, of course, pregnant and nursing women and children, all have equal access to the requisite medical and health services. IUNW encourages governments to work together in solidarity with one another, united in their commitment to transparency about their efforts to contain and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. It is vital to acknowledge that any failure to share key information at this critical juncture can mean the loss of more lives.
