Not only has it added to the deteriorating security and economic conditions, but it has also upended basic services and further worsened living conditions in the region, especially for least developed countries (LDCs),
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, emphasized that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had created a climate of uncertainty for all.

"Not only has it added to the deteriorating security and economic conditions, but it has also upended basic services and further worsened living conditions in the region, especially for least developed countries (LDCs)," Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen noted in a statement during the opening of the 47th Session of the Islamic Council of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) in Niamey on Friday (Nov 27).

Without a doubt, the consequences of the pandemic reach far and wide, especially amid the already fragile health infrastructure and limited medical and economic response resources.

"As I observe, with grave concern, the human cost and the social and economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic on our member states, I commend the measures taken by these countries and international partners to stem the spread of the disease and strengthen the response capacities of member states, most notably the least developed countries, to the novel coronavirus pandemic," Al-Othaimeen stated.

In this context, the OIC secretary general commended the measures taken by the Islamic Solidarity Fund in support of the organization’s humanitarian efforts, particularly the recent efforts to upgrade the health sector in the least developed member states to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Here, I appeal to donor countries in our Organization to donate to the special account established by the Fund to enhance member states’ government capacities to deal with the economic, social, and health repercussions of the pandemic," Al-Othaimeen emphasized.

He also pay tribute to the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) emergency response initiative to allocate financial resources in support of the member states’ efforts to contain the negative effects of the coronavirus disease pandemic and to form a response center for this purpose.
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