WHO working on supply pipeline for protective equipment and tests, IOM scales up plans for COVID-19 readiness and response and USAID releases a second funding tranche to address the pandemic of COVID-19. Here is what you missed from last week’s headlines in the international development sector:
COVID-19: WHO working on supply pipeline for protective equipment and tests
For the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak began last December, China has reported no domestic cases of the disease, the head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) reported, calling it “an amazing achievement”.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was speaking during his regular briefing in Geneva where he highlighted the latest developments in the UN agency’s support to countries facing what he described as “an invisible enemy against humanity”.
WHO has shipped personal protective equipment (PPE) to nearly 70 countries, while 120 nations have received 1.5 million diagnostic kits.
IOM scales up plans for COVID-19 readiness and response, appeals for USD 116.1 million
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling-up its plans to address the mobility aspects of the global response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic with a new funding requirement of USD 116.1 million.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports the outbreak has affected at least 166 countries with about 210,000 confirmed cases. Close to 8,700 people have lost their lives.
Governments around the world are working together to prevent the spread of the disease, boosting surveillance, detection, and treatment efforts, re-allocating resources, restricting travel, imposing quarantines and more.
The COVID-19 outbreak – which is first and foremost a health crisis – is fast becoming the largest mobility crisis ever seen. It is changing patterns of and acceptance toward migration, services offered by airlines, attitudes towards foreigners, as well as border and migration management regimes. An unprecedented number of people are becoming stranded on their journeys.
USAID releases a second funding tranche of $62 million to address the pandemic of COVID-19
The U.S. Government announced the release of $62 million from the Emergency Reserve Fund for Contagious Infectious-Disease Outbreaks (ERF) at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to address the pandemic of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus now called SARS-CoV-2.
USAID issued a determination to make these funds available from the ERF because the current pandemic is an emerging health threat with severe consequences to human health which is in the national interest of the United States to respond. Since cases of COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan City, in Hubei Province, in the People’s Republic of China, the United States has continued to call on nations to comply with their obligations under the International Health Regulations (2005) and for other donors to contribute to the effort to address the disease.
DevelopmentAid Editorials
Associate Writer | EU pillars for the new engagement with Africa
The EU finds itself at the crossroads rethinking its new engagement with the African continent. This year, 2020, is a crucial year. On the one hand, the EU hopes to endorse its new strategy with the African Union (AU) at the EU-AU summit to take place in October 2020.
On the other, the EU needs to finalise and agree on its future long term budget (MFF 2021-2027) where funding will be allocated to support a wide range of different initiatives. These – according to the EC communication approved on 9 March 2020 “Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa” – are grouped in 5 different blocks and will form the basis for the new EU-AU strategy: green transition; digital transformation; sustainable growth and jobs; peace and governance; and migration and mobility.
Find out Expert’s Opinions.
Here’s what else has happened
Women’s needs and leadership: A week since The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic and robust measures around the world attempt to contain its spread, the social impact of the Novel Coronavirus is hitting women hard. Globally, women make up 70 percent of workers in the health and social sector, and they do three times as much unpaid care work at home as men.
European Commission: The European Commission has approved an investment package worth more than €1.4 billion of EU funds in 14 large infrastructure projects in 7 Member States, namely Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain. The projects cover several key areas such as environment, health, transport and energy for a smarter, low-carbon Europe. They represent a massive investment to boost the economy, protect the environment and improve citizens’ quality of life and social well-being.
Uzbekistan: An estimated 50,000 stateless people in Uzbekistan are set to acquire citizenship following the passing of a new law in the country. A provision in the Citizenship Law, signed by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will come into effect on 1 April, conferring citizenship to registered stateless people who were granted permanent residence in Uzbekistan before 1 January 1995.
Mental health: Since January when the World Health Organization (WHO) determined the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, to be a “public health emergency of international concern”, stress levels everywhere have continued to mount. As WHO and health authorities across the planet act to contain the outbreak, advice on safeguarding your mental health, have been developed by the UN health agency’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Use.
Reports
As pandemic rages, women and girls face intensified risks
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages around the world, governments are taking unprecedented measures to limit the spread of the virus, ramping up health system responses and announcing movement restrictions affecting millions. But amid these efforts, policymakers must not lose sight of the vulnerabilities of women and girls, which have been exacerbated by the crisis, says a UNFPA guidance note.
Read and download the UNFPA guidance note: COVID-19: A Gender Lens.
ITU launches new guidelines to assist countries develop national emergency telecommunication plans
In the face of the global coronavirus crisis, as in any other emergency, the speed and efficiency of response is proportional to the level of preparedness. To help countries better manage disaster response activities at a time when the frequency, intensity and human and economic impact of disasters is on the rise worldwide, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) launches new guidelines for the development and implementation of National Emergency Telecommunication Plans.
Read and download the ITU Guidelines for national emergency telecommunication plans.
Events
ADB Transport Forum 2020
Manila, Philippines
24 – 28 August 2020
This year’s Transport Forum, with the theme “A Clear Vision for Transport” will examine the challenges and key issues facing sustainable transport in Asia key challenges issues at the dawn of a new decade. The forum will showcase the solutions and opportunities to transform the face of transport in the region, and make transport services and infrastructure more equitable, safer, and more resilient in the face of a changing world.
Urban Economy Forum 2020 (UEF2020)
Toronto, Canada
5-6 October 2020
All stakeholders in the profit, not-for-profit, private, and public sectors are invited to the at UEF2020 to monitor the progress that has been made thus far and further actions needed in leveraging the potential of cities to meet the 2030 Sustainable Action agenda deadline.
