Good afternoon once again,
First, let me update you on the current status of the outbreak.
As of 6am Geneva time today, there were 31,211 confirmed cases in China, and 637 deaths.
For the last two days there have been fewer reported new infections in China, which is good news, but we caution against reading too much into that. The numbers could go up again. As you know, epi curves go in a zig-zag, but the last two days were going in a declining trend.
Outside China, there are 270 cases in 24 countries, with 1 death.
On Tuesday I said that several countries were lagging behind on sharing data with WHO. I’m pleased to report that since then, several countries have shared this vital information with WHO, and others have indicated they will share it very soon – thank you. This act of solidarity is helping us to understand the outbreak better, which will help us to stop it sooner.
There are still some countries who are yet to send detailed case reports to WHO. We urge those Member States to share this information immediately.
We also briefed you on the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, which estimates that the world needs $675 million for the next three months to invest in preventing this outbreak.
So far we have received pledges for $110 million. Several donors have already come forward, and we are expecting more announcements in the coming days.
We welcome support from all donors big and small, because every dollar counts.
Once again, it is vital that we invest now or pay later. We have a window of opportunity to exploit now.
As I mentioned on Tuesday, we are sending testing kits, masks, gloves, respirators and gowns to countries in every region.
However, the world is facing a chronic shortage of personal protective equipment, as you might imagine.
This afternoon I will be speaking to the Pandemic Supply Chain Network to identify the bottlenecks and find solutions, and push for fairness in the distribution of equipment.
Of course, WHO is not alone.
We are also mobilizing the full power of the UN system to respond to this emergency. On Wednesday I briefed the Secretary-General and other UN leaders, and yesterday we had a call with more than 200 UN country representatives to explain the Strategic Response Plan and to provide a step-by-step guide on ways to scale up preparedness and response, and help them to identify gaps and actions in countries.
We’re bringing together partners to identify capacity and gaps, and who is best positioned to fill those gaps.
We’re also engaging with partners, and immediately after this briefing we will be hosting a second call with global health leaders, to enhance our technical and scientific collaboration.
We are also preparing for next week’s global forum on research and innovation, to chart the way forward on clinical management, data sharing & global governance.
We have instituted a daily meeting of the WHO Health Security Council to review the response, identify problems and find solutions.
And for the last two days we have had daily media briefings to keep the world’s press informed.
We are very encouraged by the level of international cooperation and solidarity we are witnessing.
As I said yesterday, I know there are ongoing negotiations between Member States on the preparedness resolution. Thank you all for your good faith efforts, and I urge you to continue working to conclude these negotiations and send a clear message to the world of our resolve on this vital issue.
No one country or organization can stop this outbreak alone. Our best hope – and our only hope – is to work together.
Solidarity, solidarity, solidarity. We have a common enemy which is dangerous, and which can bring serious upheaval – social, economic and political. This is the time to fight it in unison.
Thank you.