UN Says The World Must Be Ready For The Next Pandemic
The United Nations observed the first International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on Sunday,underscoring the need to learn lessons from the coronavirus pandemic, and urging greater investments in preparedness, to battle future health emergencies.
According to the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres; ”This first observance of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness falls at the end of a year in which a scenario many had feared became tragically true. As we strive to control and recover from the current pandemic, we must think about the next”.
He also noted the need for strong health systems and social protection, support for communities on the front-lines, and technical cooperation for countries.
He further added that; ”Across this work, science must be our guide. Solidarity and coordination are crucial, within and among countries; no one is safe unless all of us are safe”.
The Secretary-General also acknowledged the health professionals, front-line personnel, and essential workers worldwide for their ‘‘remarkable commitment” in face of the coronavirus pandemic.
”As we recover from the pandemic, let us resolve to build up our prevention capacities so that we are ready when the world faces the next outbreak”, he urged.
At the same time, Volkan Bozkir, President of the General Assembly, underscored that the ”devastating experience” of the Covid-19 Pandemic has made clear, the benefits of tackling epidemics.
The head of W.H.O also urged countries to invest in preparedness capacity to prevent, detect and mitigate emergencies, and reiterated the importance of strong primary health systems as the foundation of universal health coverage as well as the ‘‘eyes and ears’‘ of health systems everywhere.
