G-77, China Pledge to Support WHO in the Fight against COVID-19

April 20/2020( ENA) The Group of 77 and China expressed their deep concern at the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and pledged to support the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against the pandemic.

“The first priority is to save lives. The Group, therefore, acknowledges the leading role of the World Health Organization (WHO) led by its Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom,” said in a statement issued on Sunday.

Acknowledging the role of the WHO , the group extended its full support and appreciation for its work in providing information, technical guidance, training and other assistance to developing countries to help them prepare for and efficiently respond to the pandemic.

 “We share the view of the United Nations Secretary-General that unity must prevail, so that the international community can work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences” the statement added.

The group urged the international community to unite in its efforts to ensure access to scientific guidance, training, equipment, essential medical supplies.

It also underlined the need to give concrete life-saving services to countries in greatest need and in regions where the full impact is yet to be felt.

The G-77 and China calls on all members of the global community to maintain and, where possible, increase their support for the WHO as it has a critical and central role to play in supporting developing countries to confront a crisis of epic scale that threatens to erase the gains made over the past decades.

The statement revealed that “We reiterate the need to strengthen international solidarity and multilateral cooperation and partnership in the fight against a disease that is our common enemy.”