The coronavirus continues to spread globally, with more than 20 million confirmed cases in 188 countries. More than 700,000 people have lost their lives. Sadly, countries that initially succeeded in suppressing the outbreaks are now seeing infections rise again. There is no sign that the situation is improving. Experts said no matter what happens now, the virus will continue to circulate around the world.
Except for the Sputnik V vaccine that Russia registered on Tuesday, there is currently no vaccine to prevent Covid-19. Therefore, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus by practicing social distancing, wearing face mask, and frequent washing of hands.
All over the world, governments were forced to limit public movement and close businesses in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19. This has had a devastating impact on the poor. The United Nations has said that up to 265 million people could face starvation by the end of the year because of the impact of Covid-19. To put the suffering of people in poor countries in perspective, even a $2 trillion relief package in the US hasn’t provided an adequate safety net for Americans.
The World Bank has announced some $160 billion for key Covid-19 interventions in the world’s poorest countries. In Pakistan, for example, the WB is providing $25 million in emergency cash transfers for up to 4 million people under the national safety net. This additional assistance will help prevent negative coping strategies, such as reducing food consumption or selling vital assets, and help protect human capital. A further $12 million will finance delivery of basic food supplies to 40,000 persons who are quarantined or have limited mobility for a period of six months.
The pandemic has also worsened global hunger incidence. By the end of this year, about 265 million people could go hungry, said Arif Husain, chief economist at the World Food Program, a United Nations agency. Altogether, millions more could be pushed to the brink of starvation.
On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the Covid-19 pandemic not only threatens gains in fighting global poverty and building peace but also risks exacerbating existing conflicts and generating new ones. Guterres pointed to three key dangers: erosion of public trust, destabilization of the global economic order, and weakening of the social fabric. “The perception that authorities are mishandling the crisis, or not being transparent or favoring political allies can lead to public disillusion in government and its institutions,” he said.
The UN chief also warned that “without concerted action, inequalities, global poverty and the potential for instability and violence could grow for years.” While there have been many peaceful protests, Guterres said, “in a number of countries, Covid-19 has been an excuse for harsh crackdowns and a spike in state repression.” Guterres stressed the importance of leadership. “The world is looking to all leaders—including the council—to address this epic crisis in ways that make a concrete, meaningful and positive contribution to the lives of people,” he said.
In the Philippines, the ball is in the hands of Congress tasked to pass the second version of the Bayanihan Law to speed up the country’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The intended beneficiaries, including distressed sectors and small businesses, are struggling to survive. Congress must craft effective social protection systems that are crucial to safeguarding the poor and vulnerable in these times of crisis.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano