New York, May 20, 2020, SPA -- United Nations Secretary General on Wednesday called for global solidarity with Africa, as he warned that the coronavirus pandemic threatens the continent's progress. "It will aggravate long-standing inequalities and heighten hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability to disease," Guterres said in a video message. "Already, demand for Africa's commodities, tourism and remittances are declining. The opening of the trade zone has been pushed back - and millions could be pushed into extreme poverty," he said. The UN chief launched a policy brief, calling for international action to strengthen Africa's health systems, maintain food supplies and avoid a financial crisis, according to dpa. He said African countries should have equal access to any vaccine and treatment, and that they must halt conflicts and address violent extremism. Guterres said Africa should receive 200 billion dollars from the international community as part of his call for a global response package amounting to at least 10 per cent of the world's GDP. "These are still early days for the pandemic in Africa, and disruption could escalate quickly," he said. "Global solidarity with Africa is an imperative - now and for recovering better." --SPA 11:02 LOCAL TIME 08:02 GMT 0008 www.spa.gov.sa/w1334020