“The costs have been dire,” Secretary General António Guterres say in one statement mark the date.
Since the pandemic hit, he pointed out that millions of people have died because hundreds of millions have fallen ill.
And economies have been disrupted, health systems stretched, and trillions of dollars lost.
Furthermore, go ahead Sustainable development goals (SDGs) have “devastated,” argued the top UN official.
“Developing countries often have to fend for themselves, shamefully denied the vaccines, tests or treatments they need to protect their people,” he lamented.
Heed the ‘harsh lesson’
COVID-19 It will not be the last epidemic or pandemic that humanity faces, he warned.
“As a global community, we must bear in mind the harsh lessons of COVID-19 and boldly invest in pandemic preparedness, prevention and response,” he said.
He stressed the need for better surveillance “to detect and track potentially epidemic viruses”; resilient health system supported by universal health insurance; and a “well-trained, well-equipped and well-paid” health workforce.
“We also need equitable access to life-saving vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and technologies.
A global war
He stressed the need to “fight the scourge” of misinformation and pseudoscience with “scientific and fact-based information,” reminding that it is not possible to fight a pandemic on a country-by-country basis.
“The world must come together. COVID-19 is a wake-up call,” the Secretary-General stated.
“On this International Day for Disease Prevention, I call on all nations to join forces in their efforts to ensure the world is equipped and ready to face the health challenges to come.”
integrated approach
The United Nations also reiterates the value of a One Health approachpromote the integration of human, animal and plant health, as well as the environment and other related fields.
International cooperation and multilateralism play an important role in the response to the epidemic.
Cooperation and solidarity among all individuals, communities, States and regions, in all stages of disease management, is very important.
The role of the United Nations
The UN system, especially the . system World Health Organizationplay a pivotal role in coordinating and supporting national, regional and international efforts to respond to epidemics and prevent, mitigate and address the impact of infectious diseases and epidemics – with motivating goal Agenda 2030.
However, the main roles and responsibilities rest with Governments and stakeholders in addressing global health challenges, especially women, who make up the majority of the world’s health care workers.
Member States of the United Nations have committed to ensuring inclusive, equal and non-discriminatory participation, with special attention to vulnerable people or in vulnerable situations at risk. highest chance of infection.
WHO: Global response to a global pandemic
