The World Health Organisation, during the crucial period of the novel coronavirus pandemic, has urged the international community to provide financial assistance to Pakistan.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a series of tweets on Thursday that Pakistan needs “flexible and timely funding” to distribute it where it is most needed.

The virus has spread in Punjab and Sindh to over 115 districts across the country, with high density. “The COVID-19 outbreak is creating significant additional pressure on an already overburdened health system, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of affected populations,” Dr Tedros said.

"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 pic.twitter.com/XKLUEifu5H

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 23, 2020

He cautioned that failure to take prompt action would lead to more than 200,000 people being infected by the virus by mid-July. “The impacts on the economy could be devastating, doubling the number of people living in poverty,” the director-general said.

The funds raised will be used for research and the country’s medical system, Dr Tedros said, ensuring continued support from the WHO.

The @UN family & the #Pakistan Government must coordinate not only to implement the #COVID19 plan, but also to raise resources, so they can be allocated to where they are needed most. Both in the immediate response and also in strengthening the overall health system. Together!

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 23, 2020

He also congratulated the Government on the successful virtual launch of the Strategic Preparedness & Response Plan for National COVID19.

So far more than 10,000 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Pakistan.

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