MASERU - As the African continent and the rest of the world mark Africa Day, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reaffirmed his solidarity with the people and governments of Africa in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to pave the way forward for recovery and a better future for all.

In his statement, he said this year the world marks African Day under difficult circumstances as the continent grapples with the global COVID-19 pandemic, which threatens to derail progress by African countries towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and the targets set out in the African Union's Agenda 2063.
Guterres said African countries have demonstrated commendable leadership through a swift and coordinated response.
He said following a recent issuance of a policy brief outlining the impacts of the pandemic on Africa, the UN is calling for debt relief and action to maintain food supplies, protect jobs and cushion the continent against lost income and export earnings.
“African countries, like everyone, everywhere, should also have quick, equal and affordable access to any eventual vaccine and treatment. African governments, like all those around the world, can also use this moment to shape new policies that bolster health systems, improve social protection and pursue climate-friendly pathways,” he said.