Health experts offered sound advice during a global television event on Saturday to support frontline workers facing the COVID-19 coronavirus and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The world’s biggest stars united for a night of entertainment as part of Global Citizen’s One World: Together At Home, curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga. Health experts joined hosts Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel of Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Stephen Colbert of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to take viewers through various aspects of the public health crisis.
The global event, which consisted of a six-hour digital event, followed by a two-hour television broadcast, raised $127.9 million, providing $55.1 million to the WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and $72.8 million to local and regional responders.
Read what health experts shared about how to support mental health, stop COVID-19, and more in the full list below.
1. A vaccine is needed to stop COVID-19 for good.
Philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates, who are funding a COVID-19 response, addressed the unknown timeline of the pandemic.
Melinda stressed that staying at home will save lives, but Bill noted that a vaccine is needed to fight the virus.
"There’s a lot of vaccine candidates that we’re backing, and I’m optimistic, by late next year, one of those will come out," Bill said. "And we need to make sure that gets out to everyone in the world."
"Our response to this pandemic won’t be effective unless it’s equitable," Melinda added.
Disclosure: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a funding partner of Global Citizen.
2. There is reason to be optimistic.
Kimmel briefly spoke with Dana Hawkinson, the director of infection prevention and control at the University of Kansas Health System.
In this screengrab, Dr. Dana Hawkinson, Director of Infection Prevention and Control speaks during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020.
In this screengrab, Dr. Dana Hawkinson, Director of Infection Prevention and Control speaks during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020.
"Right now, there are no approved drugs, but we have the best minds in the world working towards that," Hawkinson said, noting that the curve is beginning to flatten.
3. This moment is an opportunity to join together to prevent future outbreaks.
Director-General of the WHO Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivered a unifying and hopeful message to viewers watching around the world.
In this screengrab, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020.
In this screengrab, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020.
"COVID-19 has taken so much from us, but it has also given us a unique opportunity to put aside our differences, to break down barriers, to see and seek the best in each other, and to lift our voices for health for all, and to ensure this never happens again," he said.
Dr. Tedros also thanked Lady Gaga, Global Citizen, the UN, and all the artists who participated in the special to bring everyone together during isolation.
4. Health care workers are also providing emotional support to COVID-19 patients.
Sanam Ahmed, a surgical critical care doctor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told Colbert she wanted to reassure families that their loved ones are in good hands.
In this screengrab, Sanam Ahmed, M.D. speaks during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020.
In this screengrab, Sanam Ahmed, M.D. speaks during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020.
"I want people to know that if you can’t hold your mom’s hand, I’m there to hold her hand," Ahmed said. "The nurses and the doctors are there to tell your mom, your dad, your loved one, that we love them and we’re there for them."
5. We must be patient as scientists and researchers work to find a coronavirus cure.
Columbia University M.D. David Hoasked the world to acknowledge the crucial role the scientific community plays.
"Let’s stay at home together, flatten the curve together, and give scientists the time needed to develop solutions to end this pandemic," Ho said.
6. It is OK to seek mental health help.
It is normal to feel fear, anxiety, and grief during a crisis, Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist at the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, said.
In this screengrab, Sue Varma M.D. speaks during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020.
In this screengrab, Sue Varma M.D. speaks during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020.
Varma encouraged anyone experiencing a persistent low mood, or seeing a change in their sleep, appetite, concentration, or ability to feel joy, to reach out to a health care provider or local behavioral health counselor via telehealth.
People who have a history of mental health issues, or who are working on the frontlines, could be more vulnerable at this time, she explained.
"Everyone needs to make time for the 'Ms of mental health,'" Vurma said. "Movement, mindfulness, mastery –– which is something fun and creative, and meaningful connection."
She recommended labeling emotions, talking to someone trustworthy, remembering to laugh, expressing gratitude, and offering help to stay healthy.
"Small acts of kindness are mood-boosting for both the giver and receiver. We are in this together and we’ll get through this together," she added. "Remember, you are not alone."
Editor's note: This piece has been updated to include a disclosure that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a funding partner of Global Citizen. We regret the oversight.