WHO DG and Lady Gaga to announce details of global gig

The World Health Organization announced on Friday that dozens of the world's top entertainers have signed up for "One World, Together at Home", a global inititive that aims to raise funds to buy healthcare equipment to be used in the fight against the new coronavirus.

Curated by Lady Gaga, the initiative will be streamed live on social media platforms on Saturday and later by traditional broadcasters.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said at a press briefing in Geneva this was an opportunity to bring "joy and hope" to people whose lives have been turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Produced by Global Citizen, "One World: Together At Home" aims to raise funds for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund to buy

protective equipment and other supplies for countries that need them most in their fight against the virus.

"It is a love letter to our doctors. A love letter to our nurses and other health care professionals who are risking their own lives for the sake of ours," said Lady Gaga, speaking via video-teleconference at the WHO press briefing in Geneva.

"Our healthcare workers deserve our support and we know that if we all do our part, we can weather this storm," said Hugh Evans, CEO and Co-founder of Global Citizen.

The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund is powered by the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation.

So far, the Fund has generated more than 150 million US dollars from more than 245,000 individuals, corporations and foundations.

Elton John, Alicia Keys and Annie Lennox are among the artists who are expected to take part.