UNICEF Global Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation Report No. 1 (As of 15 March 2020)

Since early January 2020, UNICEF has been preparing and responding to the epidemic of COVID-19 around the world, knowing that the virus is spreading to children and communities. We continue to work closely with WHO, Governments and our partners to stop the transmission of the virus, reduce morbidity and mortality and minimize its effects in health and social services and in the most vulnerable populations. On 12 March the WHO Director-General reiterated in a statement to member states that countries should not give up on stopping the outbreak now that WHO has characterized it as a pandemic.