Strong effective and compassionate leadership for a global effort to stop COVID-19 is necessary to support WHO in achieving global, regional and local goals. Threats to discontinue funding for WHO will weaken the global effort.  Helen Clark will bring her vast experience at global diplomacy to help WHO help its members. This is the single most important threat to public health, lives and livelihoods in modern times. Strong global leadership is essential. Ms Clark will be able to work with WHO and regional organisations to build trust, secure political support and mobilise resources for the work. COVID-19 must be stopped before it destroys the gains in human health and economic well-being for all nations.