The GPMB report covers a lot of familiar ground, of course, but it is concise and spells out challenges very clearly. Read it here: apps.who.int/gpmb/assets/pd…. A few key quotes below:
„We cannot wait to take action given the unprecedented speed at which this epidemic is progressing. A massive global response is required, one that assumes a worst-case scenario.“
„This is a problem that has already gone far beyond the public health sphere. The international financial institutions and the major economic nations should act as if we are facing a global pandemic with an impact which may reach 1918 influenza proportion“
„It is only a matter of time before #COVID19 reaches countries with much weaker health systems than China, South Korea, the US or Europe. When it does, the case fatality rate may increase due to lack of access to critical care facilities for the most severe cases.“
„The costs of inaction, or responding slowly, are significant both in human and economic terms. Investing now will significantly reduce these costs“...
„Multilateral financial institutions and G7 and G20 governments should provide immediate funding to meet these needs.“
„Multilateral financial institutions and G7 and G20 governments should provide immediate funding to meet these needs.“
„Funding of $8bn could make a substantial difference in tackling this global epidemic. ... This investment is dwarfed by the $280bn of costs that #covid19 is already on course to cause in the first quarter of 2020. It would help prevent even greater losses than this.“
