Giving Compass' Take:

• Here is a list of world health leaders that stand in solidarity with the World Health Organization, acknowledging that international coordination and mobilization is necessary to respond to COVID-19.

• What can donors do to help mobilize coordinated global efforts?

• Read more about supporting a global collaborative response to COVID-19.

As we speak, the WHO is working to track the spread of the virus globally, assess gaps and needs, equip frontline health workers with personal protective equipment, ensure lab and testing tools are available in countries around the world, and to inform communities and frontline responders with the latest technical guidance.

Ultimately the world is only as strong as its weakest health system. And if we do nothing and allow the virus to spread, it will have the chance to circle back around the globe, putting all of us at risk.

This pandemic has highlighted why international cooperation is more important than ever, as we cannot solve global problems without global solutions.

The WHO is uniquely positioned to mobilize resources behind an international effort to address COVID-19 — no other health organization has the global reach, expertise, and experience.

Many world leaders agree. Here are 10 that are taking a stand in support of the WHO.

  1. Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand
    "At a time like this, when we need to be sharing information and we need to have advice we can rely on, the WHO has provided that," Prime Minister Ardern said, accoridng to NBC News.
  2. Simon Coveney, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ireland
    "This is indefensible decision, in midst of global pandemic. So many vulnerable populations rely on the WHO — deliberately undermining funding and trust now is shockingm" Covenet said in a tweet. "Now is a time for global leadership and unity to save lives, not division and blame!"
  3. Bill Gates, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
    "Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them," Gates said in a tweet. "

Read the full article about world leaders supporting the WHO by Jonah Kanter at Global Citizen.