We need new humanitarian principles in response to COVID-19

Current media attention on the unfolding COVID-19 crisis is largely focussed on impacted countries in the global North – Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. These countries (along with China) lead the league table of infections and death. Graphic media coverage of overwhelmed health systems, mass graves, and deserted city streets concentrate our attention on what is happening in these resource wealthy countries.

Yet, the greatest impact of COVID-19 in terms deaths and infections will occur in the Global South. Reported infections and deaths currently remain low due to the late introduction of COVID-19 to many countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, low rates of testing, and delays in reporting. Current reported low infection rates should not though be cause for optimism or apathy.