Countries are asking ppl to #stayhome & shutting down population movement to limit #COVID19 transmission. These steps can have unintended consequences for the poorest & most vulnerable. I call on countries to ensure these populations have food & life essentials during the crisis.

My appreciation to Prime Minister @narendramodi for announcing a $24 billion package to support 's vulnerable populations during #COVID19 crisis, including:
-free food rations for 800M disadvantaged people
-cash transfers to 204M poor women
-free cooking gas for 80M households.

However, many developing countries will struggle to implement social welfare programs of this nature. Broad and expedited agreement on debt relief is essential to enable them to care for their people and avoid economic collapse. #Solidarity