Long before the coronavirus () arrived, the United Nations created a system to defend against the recurrence of an influenza pandemic like the 1918 flu that killed over 40 million people. In 1947, the Interim Commission of the (WHO) the Global Influenza Programme () and in 1948, the was established to monitor, analyze and desiminate health data on any epidemics. GIP passed its first major in 1957. It identified a new influenza virus and warned national health authorities in time for countries to prepare health services and vaccines before the epidemic struck. Subsequent battles against influenza, including H5N1 in , H1N1 in and, most recently, in 2019, were supported by an expanding number of WHO . The Programme provides international standards for conducted through its global response system (). In March 2020, Secretary-General António Guterres remarked about COVID-19, “This war needs a war-time plan to fight it.” The most recent plan, launched in September 2020, the , focuses on three components: a health response guided by the WHO and its ; a and a ; and a transformative recovery process that leads to more just, equal and resilient societies and economies after COVID-19.The effectiveness of those plans, however, depends on timely and accurate information. Promises of cures with no evidence of their benefit and other misinformation on social media, websites and digital channels have impeded the COVID-19 response. As a result, the United Nations added another weapon to its influenza arsenal and released “Verified”. It provides trusted information and life-saving advice and stories to everyday people. For example, the message circulated on 25 September 2020 discussed the right and wrong way to wear a mask. If you’re worried about fake news or false reports about COVID-19 to learn more or subscribe to Verified.
The Yearbook covers and WHO activities in Part three, Chapter XIII.