Colombia formally became an OECD Member country on 28 April, the 37th country to do so in the Organisation’s near 60-year history. This brings to a successful conclusion an accession process that began in 2013. “Colombia can be rightly proud of what is truly an exceptional achievement,” OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría said.

Tax and fiscal policy responses should continue to play a critical role in limiting the hardship caused by containment measures during the coronavirus crisis, new OECD analysis says. But while many governments have taken action, getting the support to the most vulnerable households and firms still poses major challenges.

Recent seizures of fake medical supplies being marketed as protection against coronavirus (Covid-19) have underscored the need to address a growing international trade in counterfeit pharmaceuticals. The trafficking of fake or defective medicines is costly and puts lives at risk, according to the new OECD and EU reports.

Spurred by a rise in 2019 development aid, the OECD and its donor member countries are working to help the most vulnerable countries during the coronavirus crisis. Official development assistance (ODA) provided by OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members rose by 1.4% in real terms to USD 152.8 billion in 2019.

The coronavirus crisis has exposed the need for our health systems to be more resilient to crises of such gravity. While it is too early to draw conclusions, three aspects deserve consideration. By Francesca Colombo.