COVID-19 has spread to over 30 million people worldwide, causing more than a million deaths and suffering on a global scale. But its long term effects could be even more catastrophic, pushing millions into extreme poverty as the poorest people’s health, food supplies and education are at risk. . With COVID-19, we are all in this together.

Only one global initiative can rid the world of COVID-19 and get us back on track to end extreme poverty — the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A). 

This new initiative is a real-life A-TEAM, bringing together the top health organisations, scientists, businesses, civil society, philanthropists and governments to beat COVID-19.

Governments in wealthy countries have spent USD $11 trillion to cope with the economic fallout of the pandemic. But without tackling its root cause, by getting tests, treatments, and vaccines to everyone who needs them, there is no long-term solution. 

This week the finance ministers from some of the most powerful countries in the world — including Germany, France and South Africa — will be meeting at a World Bank conference to discuss future areas of collaboration. It’s vital we urge them to spend a fraction of what they are already doing at home home on global solutions that will end the pandemic and for all.

To end cycles of lockdown, restore the best parts of our pre-pandemic lives, and save millions from deadly disease and poverty, essential medical solutions must reach everyone, everywhere. 

Tell finance ministers to #ACTogether to defeat COVID-19 by funding ACT-A — tweet now.