UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday that millions of people could suffer from extreme poverty "in Africa due to the emerging epidemic of Corona virus (Covid-19), calling for increased" international solidarity "with this continent.
"The epidemic threatens the progress that has been made in Africa, as it will exacerbate existing inequality and increase hunger, undernutrition and vulnerability in the face of diseases," Guterres said in a statement attached to a United Nations study that also includes recommendations on the African continent.
He expressed his satisfaction that Africa "moved quickly in the face of the epidemic," noting that "the number of injuries recorded so far is less than we expected."
"The virus has killed more than 2,500 people in Africa," he said.
He continued: "African countries should have the same possibility to obtain quickly, fairly and at a reasonable price any vaccine or treatment to come. They must be considered universal public properties."
"The epidemic is still in its infancy in Africa, and global solidarity with Africa must be demonstrated - starting today and for a better revival, the epidemic in Africa must be ended to end it all over the world," Guterres said.
In his recommendations, Guterres calls for "international mobilization to strengthen health systems in Africa, maintain food financing networks and avoid a financial crisis."
He explained that "education and job protection must also be supported, families and companies should be funded and the continent be protected from loss of income and export earnings."
Guterres said that "more than $ 200 billion more should be secured from the international community's support for Africa".
"It is necessary to work to establish a comprehensive framework for debt, starting with a general freeze on the debts of countries unable to pay their services," he said.