A United Nations official in Papua New Guinea has warned that the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic could turn the current health emergency into humanitarian one.

The head of United Nations office in PNG, Gianluca Rampolla said:

“There is no better time than now that developing countries need solidarity to fight the spread of Covid-19 pandemic globally. It is vital to support them.

“The devastating impacts that outbreaks could have on countries such as Papua New Guinea noting that the landscape could change rapidly from a health emergency to a humanitarian one.

“The United Nations in Papua New Guinea has the largest international presence. We are supporting the Government by providing technical assistance and vital equipment in preparation of a possible COVID-19 outbreak.

“We are appealing to the world’s developed countries to support the most vulnerable nations.

Mr Rampolla has echoed the words of the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.