By Bisola Adeyemo
United Nations General Secretary, António Guterres has urged all members of the world to observe the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness annually.
He also said that contexts and priorities, through education and awareness-raising activities, highlight the importance of the prevention of, preparedness for, and partnership against epidemics.
António Guterres maintained that COVID-19 would not be the last pandemic for humanity.
The United Nations system, in particular the World Health Organization, plays a pivotal role in coordinating responses to epidemics, by its mandate, and in supporting national, regional, and international efforts to prevent, mitigate and address the impacts of infectious diseases and epidemics in accordance to advance the 2030 Agenda.
“We need to recognize the primary role and responsibility of Governments and the indispensable contribution of relevant stakeholders in tackling global health challenges, especially women, who make up the majority of the world’s health workers.
“This means scaling-up investments in better monitoring, early detection and rapid response plans in every country — especially the most vulnerable”, he said.
“It means strengthening primary health care at the local level to prevent collapse… ensuring equitable access to lifesaving interventions, like vaccines for all people and…achieving Universal Health Coverage.”
The Secretary-General upheld that by building global solidarity, every country would have a fighting chance “to stop infectious diseases in their tracks.”