World Bank President David Malpass is calling on rich countries to hold off on debt repayments from poor countries AFP/NICHOLAS KAMM

WASHINGTON: World Bank Group President David Malpass on Friday (Apr 3) said the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic was expected to cause a "major global recession" that would likely hit the poorest and most vulnerable countries the hardest."We intend to respond forcefully and massively with support programs, especially for poor countries," Malpass said in a posting on the LinkedIn networking site, adding that he planned to speak soon with the leaders of Ethiopia, Kenya and other countries.