United Nations, March 24 (RHC)-- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a global ceasefire to “end the sickness of war” and focus all of the world’s resources on fighting the pandemic.  

Secretary-General António Guterres said: “Our world faces a common enemy: COVID-19.  The virus does not care about nationality or ethnicity, faction or faith. It attacks all, relentlessly.  Meanwhile, armed conflict rages on around the world.  The most vulnerable — women and children, people with disabilities, the marginalized and the displaced — pay the highest price.  They are also at the highest risk of suffering devastating losses from COVID-19.”

The World Health Organization warns the coronavirus pandemic is “accelerating,” with cases recorded in at least 184 of 195 countries.  There are nearly 385,000 confirmed cases worldwide and over 16,500 deaths.   WHO’s director general said he would address world leaders this week and request global powers coordinate efforts to fight the pandemic and increase production of protective gear for frontline healthcare workers.