June 2020 Global Laser Talk: Global COVID-19 Response

Engage: The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic is still unfolding, but the global economy is suffering, while strict lockdown measures are forcing millions of people around the world to stay at home.

Problem: Although the virus has caused near universal disruption, it’s countries and communities facing poverty that face the greatest risks. A new World Bank estimate suggests that COVID-19 could drive 49 million people into extreme poverty in 2020.

Illustrate or Inform: (ADD YOUR OWN STORY HERE.)

Since COVID-19 restrictions were put in place – tens of millions of infants are missing the health basics – such as immunization and growth monitoring. We are seeing outbreaks of diphtheria, measles, and cholera. The World Food Program has modeled a doubling of world hunger and wasting, an acute form of malnutrition, now threatens the lives of over 1 million children. Without additional resources, over 1.4 million additional people are at risk of dying of tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 co-infections risk the lives of those already immunocompromised.

Call to Action: The country- and community-level response will be critical, but Congress should require a global response be included in any emergency relief package.  Will you urge Leadership to address the global pandemic by including at least $12-20 billion for foreign aid in any next relief legislation? As you reach out to leadership, will you support at least:

• $4 billion over 2 years for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria
• Increase in our support for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s immunization efforts
• $2 billion to address hunger/famine-relief, with at least $500 million to address the crisis of child malnutrition and wasting.