ABSTRACT
For the first time since 1945, the entire world is confronted by a common threat, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or faith. But while COVID-19 does not discriminate, our efforts to prevent and contain it do. For that reason, the pandemic has hit the poorest and most vulnerable in our societies hardest. It is having a devastating impact on older people; on women and girls; on low-income communities; on the marginalized and isolated. It is presenting new threats to the 2030 Agenda [for Sustainable Development] and the Sustainable Development Goals. …The social and economic impact of the pandemic is enormous and growing. …But let’s not fool ourselves. A vaccine cannot undo damage that will stretch across years, even decades to come.
