It is expected to roll out preventive and proactive strategies, train and qualify specialists, and prepare scientific research and forecasting studies
Pop and classical musicians from the United States, Asia and the Middle East, all performing from their homes, appeared on the "One World: Together at Home" live stream due to run for six hours to pay tribute to frontline workers battling the health crisis around the world.
- World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 18, 2020
Jamil, known for her TV series "The Good Place," told viewers the event was meant to be "a moment of respite."
"Put your wallets away. This is not a fundraiser. We are just here to give you an incredible show with amazing live performances," she said.
The livestream's first hours featured the likes of British soccer star David Beckham, American R&B singer Jennifer Hudson, Hong Kong singer Eason Chan, India's Vishal Mishra and Emirati musician Hussain Al Jassmi. That will be followed by a two-hour concert broadcast on Saturday night across multiple television channels and featuring stars including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.
The event, curated by Lady Gaga and organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the nonprofit group Global Citizen, is the biggest celebrity effort so far to mark the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 people worldwide.
The livestream opened with social media postings and news clips showing doctors and nurses being applauded by communities around the world, families greeting each other through windows, and acts of kindness in support of those who are isolated and frail.
Other segments highlighted the personal stories of doctors, nurses and grocery workers, poems submitted by children, and efforts by ordinary people to make masks and deliver food and medication to those in need.
"We are forever grateful for the sacrifices you have made to keep us healthy and safe," said "Sex and the City" actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
Celebrities also called on people to stay at home, wash their hands regularly, practice social distancing and put pressure on their political leaders to introduce widespread testing for the disease.
"We have to build stronger healthcare systems," said Jamil.
American actor Jack Black injected humor into the event with a fitness segment about flattening his own curve, featuring him attempting push ups, running, swimming and dancing.
While the special is not a public fundraiser, it is also aimed at encouraging philanthropists and companies to contribute to the WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Corporate and other donors have already contributed some $35 million, organizers said last week.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant Editing by Bill Berkrot)
It is expected to roll out preventive and proactive strategies, train and qualify specialists, and prepare scientific research and forecasting studies
A wave of exceptionally hot weather has blasted parts of South and Southeast Asia this week
These ports will be used for take-off and landing of flying vehicles and serve as hubs for passenger pick-up, drop-off, and battery charging
The luxurious PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic V2 RSR and PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic6 RSR editions are available only through invitation, adding more exclusivity and uniqueness
Many motorists who have their vehicles written off will also look for a new one, driving the demand
Spot gold was steady at $2,317.41 per ounce after staying mostly in negative territory earlier in the day
It is likely to be humid by night and Friday morning over some coastal and internal areas
The Abu Dhabi Awards winner encourages everyone, regardless of their land size, to engage in farming