UNITED NATIONS, May 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations has appealed for a further $4.7bn in funding to “protect millions of lives and stem the spread of coronavirus in fragile countries”.
It follows the $2bn requested when the UN launched its global humanitarian response plan in March, of which around half has been received.
In a statement, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock said the “most devastating” effects of the coronavirus pandemic would be felt in the world’s poorest countries.
“Unless we take action now, we should be prepared for a significant rise in conflict, hunger and poverty. The spectre of multiple famines looms,” he said, stressing that “extraordinary measures” were needed.
Nine more vulnerable countries were added to a list of more than 50, with funds used to buy medical equipment to test and treat the sick, provide hand-washing stations, launch information campaigns and establish humanitarian airlifts to Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The UN says donors, dealing with their own crises, have already pledged more than $900m to help the poorest countries, but it is warning that much more is needed.
In many of the world’s most fragile states, the peak of the disease is not expected for another three to six months.
The money is expected to cover costs of the humanitarian response plan until December.
