Thread by @DrTedros

I participated today in @antonioguterres, secretary general's executive board meeting & gavea an update on the #COVID19 response. I emphasized that health inequality is a danger to all, but also elaborated on the progress made so far.

Less than 1/2 of the world's countries have a national infection prevention & control programme, & water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) in their health facilities. To prevent the spread of #COVID19 we need strong health systems and WASH, in every country, in every community.

The first #COVID19 vaccine trial started in 🇺🇸 this week, just 60 days after the genetic sequence of the #coronavirus became available. @WHO and partners launched an international study - the SOLIDARITY trial - to find the most effective treatments.

.@WHO is working with the G7, G20 & private sector networks to ensure:
-enough medical supplies & their free flow across borders
-lifting of import taxes & quotas for medical supplies
-equitable access to critical products
-speeding up research on vaccines & treatments. #COVID19

🇨🇳, 🇯🇵, 🇰🇷 & 🇸🇬 experience shows: physical distancing measures alone are not enough. Must have a comprehensive approach with intensive testing, contact tracing, isolation & treatment. The earlier countries implement these, the bigger impact in stopping #COVID19.