Global NewsCOVID-19: UN Sec Gen Seeks $200bn Support For Africa

COVID-19: UN Sec Gen Seeks $200bn Support For Africa

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SAN FRANCISCO, May 21, (THEWILL) – United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has called for a $200bn support for Africa from the international community for the continent to rise from the economic ruins caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Secretary-General’s remarks on the launch of United Nations Policy Brief on the Impact of COVID-19 on Africa, he hailed Africa’s response to the pandemic as the recorded cases are lower than first feared.

“As COVID-19 spreads across the continent, Africa has responded swiftly to the pandemic, and as of now reported cases are lower than feared. Even so, much hangs in the balance.

“In recent years Africans have done much to advance the well-being of the continent’s people. Economic growth has been strong. The digital revolution has taken hold. A free trade area has been agreed.

“But the pandemic threatens African progress. It will aggravate long-standing inequalities and heighten hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability to disease.

“Already, demand for Africa’s commodities, tourism and remittances are declining. The opening of the trade zone has been pushed back – and millions could be pushed into extreme poverty.

“The virus has taken more than 2500 African lives. Vigilance and preparedness are critical.

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“I commend what African countries have done already, together with the African Union.

“Most have moved rapidly to deepen regional coordination, deploy health workers, and enforce quarantines, lockdowns and border closures.

“They are also drawing on the experience of HIV/AIDS and Ebola to debunk rumours and overcome mistrust of government, security forces and health workers.

“I express my total solidarity with the people and governments of Africa in tackling COVID-19.

“United Nations agencies, country teams, peacekeeping operations and humanitarian workers are providing support.

“United Nations solidarity flights have delivered millions of test kits, respirators and other supplies, reaching almost the entire continent.

“The policy brief we are issuing today highlights a spectrum of urgent challenges.

“We are calling for international action to strengthen Africa’s health systems, maintain food supplies, avoid a financial crisis, support education, protect jobs, keep households and businesses afloat, and cushion the continent against lost income and export earnings.

“African countries should also have quick, equal and affordable access to any eventual vaccine and treatment that must be considered global public goods

“I have been calling for a global response package amounting to at least 10 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product. For Africa, that means more than $200 billion as additional support from the international community.

“I also continue to advocate a comprehensive debt framework — starting with an across-the-board debt standstill for countries unable to service their debt, followed by targeted debt relief and a comprehensive approach to structural issues in the international debt architecture to prevent defaults.

“It will also be essential for African countries to sustain their efforts to silence the guns and address violent extremism – and I welcome African support for my call for a global ceasefire. Political processes and elections in the coming months offer potential milestones for stability and peace.

“Women will be central to every aspect of the response. Stimulus packages must prioritize putting cash in the hands of women and increasing social protection.”

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