Community masking is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19, and the science backs it up. Along with social distancing and hand washing, wearing a mask is one of the best prevention tools we have until there are viable vaccines or treatments.
That’s why we’re joining #WorldMaskWeek, a global movement to inspire more people to wear face coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
We now know that any of us could be carrying and spreading the virus, even if...
New OECD projects paint a grim picture for economic growth and recovery in the world’s biggest economies. The projections focus on two scenarios, one in which there is a second outbreak of COVID-19 infections before the end of 2020, with global lockdowns reinstated, and the other where a new wave is avoided.
But our Executive Director of Policy David McNair asked a different question: how will the aftershocks of COVID-19 affect the world’s poorest countries?
https://twitter.com/David_McNair/status/1271393245365522434
Government measures around the world have...
The COVID-19 outbreak is a reminder that diseases do not respect borders or labels. Within months, the pandemic has affected nearly every person on the planet regardless of their age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. The global response must be similarly equitable, reaching beyond borders and benefiting all people everywhere
African countries have seen fewer cases than the rest of the world, but are preparing themselves for the worst. The pandemic has already caused devastating economic effects on the continent,...
World Immunization Week (24-30 April) is run by the World Health Organization to promote the use of vaccines to protect people against disease. Immunization is one of the best public health tools that we have. It saves millions of lives every year, is cost-effective, and fights against poverty. This is why Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is so important, especially in this time of crisis.
Vaccines will, of course, be vital in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As the most...
A lot of people are in lockdown and staying home, finding that they have unexpected free time. While countries are dealing with the pandemic in different ways, it’s likely that we all will have a bit more time at home in the coming weeks.
Sometimes we need to take our mind off of current events and indulge in some escapist films. At other times, we need to broaden our outlook. So we asked our Global Policy, Campaigns, and Content Teams...
For this year’s International Women’s Day, we focused on the need to accelerate progress towards global gender equality. It’s going to take almost 100 years to achieve gender equality for all women everywhere. This is unacceptable. Progress is far too slow. We require new and radical solutions, and to think the unthinkable in order to get there faster. None of us are equal until all of us are equal.
Women in leadership
Ahead of IWD, our CEO Gayle Smith was in...
The rapid spread of the coronavirus has captured the world’s attention. Damaging as it may be, this tiny virus is an urgent reminder of our collective vulnerability to transnational threats — and of the urgency of common cause to protect the health of people everywhere.
National responses — factual public information, containment, testing, tracing, treatment — are critical. But so is an international response that seeks to respond to today’s emergency while also preparing the world to deal with the next...
EU leaders are entering an intense period of negotiations about the European Union’s next seven-year budget. Their decisions will have significant and wide-reaching impacts on people and our planet.
The agreement our leaders will reach on the EU’s long-term budget will determine whether citizens’ aspirations and expectations on ending extreme poverty and inequality and tackling climate change are met or not; without sufficient funds allocated to these issues, it won’t be possible to deliver the future we want.
The clock is...
Following the Presidents of the EU’s institutions discussions on the Future of Europe and their joint op-ed, we ask them to ensure that the long-term budget strengthens both the quantity and quality of EU aid. Here’s what they need to do — and how you can help.
Dear European Presidents,
Europe is at a crossroads, and as you discussed this week, the decisions you are contemplating will have a significant and wide-reaching impact on our planet and our futures.
Under your leadership,...
Living in the UK I was aware of the television show Big Brother, but nothing quite prepared me for the African version, Big Brother Africa.
Whereas the show in the rest of the world is a simple country specific affair, Big Brother Africa is different. Very different. It’s the first ever version to feature contestants from multiple countries and on a completely different scale.
Now in its seventh season, the show is a continent wide phenomenon, screened 24 hours a day,...