Finance
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need for worldwide preparedness against future pandemics in his speech commemorating the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, citing the lessons learned from the Covid-19 catastrophe.
“When the next pandemic arrives, we must do better. But we’re not yet ready. We must prepare and act on the lessons of Covid-19,” urged the top UN official.
“We must renounce the moral and medical disaster of rich countries hoarding and controlling pandemic healthcare supplies, and ensure everyone has access to diagnostics, treatments and vaccines,” he stressed, adding that the authority of the World Health Organization (WHO) and financing must also be strengthened.
The path ahead, he argued, is international cooperation. According to the Xinhua news agency, the globe needs to bolster health systems, enhance virus surveillance, and realize the goal of universal health coverage.
According to the UN chief, these initiatives are moving forward. He reminded everyone that the September High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response ended with a strong political statement that supports ongoing talks to reach a pandemic agreement.
“Together, let’s act on the lessons of Covid-19, prepare, and build a fairer, healthier world for all,” he said.
The UN General Assembly designated December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness in its resolution on December 7, 2020.
Source:IANS
