By Faridat Salifu
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted the imperative for worldwide preparedness in anticipation of potential future pandemics.
This statement was delivered as part of the commemoration of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
Guterres began by acknowledging the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on millions of lives and the immense strain it imposed on healthcare systems globally.
In response to these challenges, he called upon the international community to reflect on the progress achieved and renew their commitment to epidemic preparedness.
Underlining the urgency of the situation, Guterres emphasized the need to assimilate the lessons learned from the COVID-19 experience, ensuring that the world is better equipped to respond to any future health crises.
He specifically advocated for a collective effort to address disparities in access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.
Guterres stressed the importance of combating the hoarding of pandemic healthcare supplies and enhancing the authority and financing of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The UN Chief also highlighted the essential components of improved global cooperation, including enhanced virus surveillance, fortified health systems, and the realization of Universal Health Coverage.
He referenced the significant progress achieved at the High-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, as well as the ongoing negotiations towards a pandemic accord designed to foster collaboration, cooperation, and equity in managing future pandemics.
According to WHO Chief Tedros Ghebreyesus, the proposed pandemic accord aims to establish a universal system of response to disease outbreaks, contributing to a safer and healthier world.
Guterres encouraged nations to build on this momentum, emphasizing the importance of delivering a robust and comprehensive accord with a focus on equity and inclusivity.
In conclusion, Guterres called for unified action in implementing the lessons gleaned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He reiterated the imperative of preparation and the shared goal of creating a fairer and healthier world for all, emphasizing the need for a global commitment to collaborative and anticipatory measures in the face of future pandemics.