Thread by @WHO

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros pscp.tv/w/ckX0MTI2MTAy…

"Overnight we heard that the @POTUS, Donald Trump and , @FLOTUS, Melania Trump tested positive for #COVID19.

I want to start today by wishing them both a full and swift recovery"-@DrTedros

"The world is still grappling with the #COVID19 pandemic.

Every week we’re adding approximately two million cases and as you know the world passed the tragic milestone of one million deaths this week. We mourn the loss of so many"-@DrTedros

"At the same time, we continue to support all countries to prevent infections and save lives.

There are roughly 4⃣ different situations that countries are currently facing:

1⃣ some countries jumped on the virus quickly and have avoided large #COVID19 outbreaks"-@DrTedros

"2⃣some countries have had large outbreaks but were able to bring them under control & they continue to suppress the virus
3⃣while some countries brought the virus under control, as economies & societies have eased restrictions, there has been an increase in cases"-@DrTedros

"4⃣ there are still some countries that are in the intense phase of #COVID19 transmission"-@DrTedros

"However, what we’ve learned in every region of the 🌍 is that with:
-strong leadership
-clear & comprehensive strategies
-consistent communication
-an engaged, empowered & enabled population
it’s never too late to turn the tide"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"In every region, countries have been able to develop a collective blueprint for suppressing the virus and working to save both lives and livelihoods"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"This is a critical moment in the #COVID19 outbreak response.
We urge every single leader to strengthen their response, put targeted measures in place that we know can suppress the spread, ensure that health systems and workers are protected, and saves lives"-@DrTedros

"For us all, the fastest way for us to get through this is to #ACTogether"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"If we all keep doing the basics:
-Physical distancing
-#HandWashing
-Mask wearing
-Coughing & sneezing safely away from others
-Avoiding crowds
-Keeping 🪟 & 🚪open when you can’t meet friends & family outside
together, we'll suppress #COVID19"-@DrTedros

"And when we’re able to successfully control it [#COVID19], it’s important governments keep going – stay vigilant and be ready – and keep investing in your national health systems including contact tracing"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

"As well as focusing on their own national context, it’s important to also drive global solidarity by investing in global public goods"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #ACTogether

"This week we were pleased that countries stepped up and announced $1 billion of new funding for the ACT-Accelerator, which is driving progress on diagnostics, treatment and vaccines"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

bit.ly/30mBOOf

"On Monday we announced that WHO had approved our first antigen based rapid diagnostic #COVID19 test for Emergency Use Listing and had secured supply of 120 million tests for use in low- and middle-income countries"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

"The Emergency Use Listing procedure streamlines the process by which new or unlicensed products can be used during public health emergencies"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #ACTogether

"It’s designed to provide information to procurement agencies and member states using an essential set of quality, safety and performance data provided by the company"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Today, we're pleased to announce that we've finalized approval for a 2nd antigen-based rapid diagnostic test to be granted Emergency Use Listing.
These tests are simple to use & provide reliable results in approximately 15-30 mins"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"And we have also published today a call for expressions of interest for manufacturers of #COVID19 Vaccines – to apply for approval for prequalification and, or, Emergency Use Listing"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

"Like with the new rapid tests, WHO looks forward to receiving expressions of interest for #COVID19 vaccine. Then through our ACT-Accelerator & COVAX Facility we will ensure that any vaccines that are proven to be safe & effective are rolled out equitably across the 🌍"-@DrTedros

"Sharing finite resources, from tests, to therapeutics, to vaccines; isn’t charity.
It’s the smart play for all countries, as it will ensure that they can protect those at most risk, like frontline #healthworkers"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #ACTogether

"Ultimately across the world this is the strategy to save lives, stabalise health systems and ensure a truly global economic recovery"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #ACTogether

"I’m pleased to say that 168 countries have now joined COVAX and another 25 have told us they soon.

This sends a very powerful message of solidarity across the world that we’re uniting to end this pandemic for the sake of all humankind"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #ACTogether

"I want to address some of the disturbing news from the #Ebola response in the #DRC, regarding reports of alleged sexual exploitation and abuse by people identifying themselves as working for WHO.

To be very clear, we are outraged to read these reports"-@DrTedros

"WHO works around the world in the toughest emergency environments and situations in the world. We come to save lives and spread hope.

The betrayal of people in the communities we serve is reprehensible"-@DrTedros

"We will not tolerate bahaviour like this from our staff, contractors or partners.

Anyone identified as being involved will be held to account and face serious consequences, including immediate dismissal"-@DrTedros

"I have initiated an investigation of the specific allegations, as well as broader protection issues in health emergency response settings.

WHO has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to sexual exploitation & abuse"-@DrTedros

"I take these reports very seriously and I will have more to say on this very soon"-@DrTedros

"I want to leave you on a message of hope.

Yesterday on international day of older persons, I had an inspiring conversation with @captaintommoore who raised nearly £40 million pounds for the #UK’s National Health Service with a charity walk"-@DrTedros

"Today we received a message from Jeanette Bank of Durban, 🇿🇦.
Jeannette we know you follow our press conferences. Thank you for the beautiful key rings from 🇲🇿 & 🇿🇼 & for letting us know about the amazing story of Ida Ezekowitz who at 99 was able to defeat #COVID19"-@DrTedros

"We’re all in this together and across the world, we will continue to drive science, solutions and solidarity until we beat this virus, together"-@DrTedros

#COVID19 #ACTogether

The full remarks by @DrTedros 👇 bit.ly/3jBHWtu