Thread by @WHO

"When this year began, little was known about #COVID19. Now, it has spread globally, upending health systems and economies, and putting lives and livelihoods at risk"-@DrTedros at the Launch of #Pakistan National Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan virtual conference

"🇵🇰’s #COVID19 Response Plan is a joint strategy of the Government of #Pakistan, the @UN and partners. It is aligned with the @GlobalGoalsUN, Pakistan’s National Action Plan and WHO’s global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan"-@DrTedros

"The virus has already spread throughout 🇵🇰. 115+ districts are affected, largely in Punjab & Sindh.
The #COVID19 outbreak is creating significant additional pressure on an already overburdened health system, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of affected populations"-@DrTedros

"Particular attention must be paid to mitigating the socio-economic and nutritional impacts of the #COVID19 pandemic on the most vulnerable"-@DrTedros

"With the fast-moving spread of the pandemic, #Pakistan requires, now more than ever, flexible and timely funding so that it can be allocated quickly to where it is most needed"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"The whole-of-government approach reflected in the plan enables resources to be adapted to support the most effective public health interventions as more is learned about both the virus and the key risk groups"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"The total funding required for the plan is $595M.
The plan emphases:
-supporting the most vulnerable
-strengthening coordination
-supporting disease surveillance & laboratories
-enhancing case management
-ensuring infection prevention & control
-community engagement"-@DrTedros

"Without effective interventions there could be an estimated 200K+ cases by mid-July. The impacts on the economy could be devastating, doubling the number of people living in poverty.
We must act in solidarity, with a coherent, coordinated approach"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"I will leave you with few requests:
1⃣that all parties in the @UN system & other international & local partners work with the government under the plan. #COVID19 is a real threat to #Pakistan - mitigating its impact depends on having a coordinated & coherent approach"-@DrTedros

"2⃣we must coordinate not only to implement the plan, but also to raise resources, so they can be allocated to where they are needed most, not only in the immediate response itself, but also in strengthening the health system"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"WHO remains deeply committed to standing with the government and people of #Pakistan to prevent infections & save lives.

We’re all in this together & we will only get through it together.

Finally, I would like to wish all Muslims in Pakistan #Ramadan kareem"-@DrTedros #COVID19