Sir Paul McCartney called on world leaders to strengthen global health systems as he performed during a concert raising money for the fight against coronavirus.
The former Beatle, 77, was joined by some of the biggest names in music for the One World: Together At Home event, staged in conjunction with Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The one and only Sir @PaulMcCartney 👏 #TogetherAtHome pic.twitter.com/cpIxNsnRkC
— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) April 19, 2020
Sir Paul said he was “very honoured” to be involved and paid tribute to the “true heroes: our health care workers all around the world”.
He then demanded global action to prevent further health crises.
“As this Covid-19 pandemic is a global crisis, we all have to come together to fight it on a global scale,” he said.
“Let’s tell our leaders we need them to strengthen the health care systems all around the world so that a crisis like this never happens again.”
The revered rocker then paid tribute to his mother, Mary, who worked as a nurse and midwife before and after the Second World War.
“My mother Mary was a nurse and midwife just after and during the second World War, so I have a lot of time for the doctors, the nurses and all the medical staff that keep us healthy. We love you, thank you,” he said.
Sir Paul then performed a heartfelt version of Beatles hit Lady Madonna.
He was joined during the One World: Together At Home broadcast by an array of stars, including Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Sir Elton John, as well as Lady Gaga who curated the event.