Editorial | In this time of crisis, wealthy nations must help the less fortunate

The world’s wealthy countries are struggling to deal with the Covid-19 crisis. While they can call on financial resources to stimulate their stricken economies and provide essential equipment, even those with the best medical systems are seemingly unable to cope. It is little wonder that there is a sense of dread about the impact to poorer nations, many lacking the most basic health care facilities and likely to have years of progress in poverty alleviation and development wiped out. While the rich may only be thinking locally, there could well be a global disaster if they neglect or do not do enough to help those at risk in emerging economies.

It is a matter of urgency, but of particular importance is the need for cooperation and coordination and being mindful of the needs of less-developed countries. The challenge is that the world’s worst-off countries are the least prepared, lacking hospital facilities and vital supplies and equipment. For those nations in South and Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America, insufficient testing for the coronavirus means that the true scale of the problem is unclear. India, with 1.3 billion people, has recorded about 3,600 cases and little more than 100 deaths; Africa, with a population of 1.2 billion, around 9,000 cases and about 400 deaths. It is a far cry from the carefully compiled recording and treatment regimes of China and countries in western Europe and North America.

But treatment and reporting are only the tip of the problem. Until there is a cure and vaccine, there is unlikely to be an end to the Covid-19 threat. Social distancing, widely seen as the best way to stave off spreading of the disease, is difficult to enforce in poorer countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been criticised for his imposition of a nationwide 21-day lockdown, preventing the poor from leaving their homes to work and being able to feed their families. A lack of running water makes washing hands and cleanliness unfeasible. Some governments are in denial, but they should be providing their people with timely and accurate information. The wealthy world, while it battles Covid-19, also needs to help those who are less able to cope.