The number of estimated coronavirus cases in Pakistan can rise to 200,000 by mid-July if “effective interventions” are not taken, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.

According to WHO Director General (DG) Dr Tedros Adhanom, who was speaking at the launch of a virtual conference titled “Pakistan National Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan”, without effective interventions, there could be an estimated 200,000 cases by mid-July, the impacts of which on the economy could be devastating and double the number of people living in poverty.

"When this year began, little was known about #COVID19. Now, it has spread globally, upending health systems and economies, and putting lives and livelihoods at risk"-@DrTedros at the Launch of #Pakistan National Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan virtual conference pic.twitter.com/XKLUEifu5H

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 23, 2020

He said that the required funding for the plan was $595 million, which would be allocated to support various measures.

“We must act in solidarity, with a coherent, coordinated approach,” Dr Tedros was quoted as saying.

The statement from the global health body comes at a time when coronavirus cases in Pakistan have reached 10,982 with at least 230 fatalities.