Dubai - Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a firm warning that global solidarity is required to battle the pandemic during his keynote address of the 'Virtual Health Forum'.
Published: Mon 22 Jun 2020, 4:00 PM
Last updated: Tue 23 Jun 2020, 2:10 AM
Preparedness to battle a pandemic and a public health crisis like the Covid-19 coronavirus is not a one-time investment, but an ongoing one that all countries across the globe must invest in, said the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a firm warning that global solidarity is required to battle the pandemic during his keynote address of the 'Virtual Health Forum', held under the guidance of the World Government Summit.
On Sunday, the WHO reported a record increase in global cases with the total number of Covid-19 cases rising by 183,020 in a 24-hour period. The previous record for new daily cases was 181,232 on June 18.
Dr Adhanom last addressed the World Government Summit in February 2018, where he opened his remarks with the 1918 flu pandemic that erupted during the first world war. He said, "A devastating epidemic can start in any country, any time and it can kill millions because we are not prepared. The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated we are not prepared."
He added, "This pandemic is a brutal reminder for policymakers and leaders that the time to prepare for emergencies is before the crisis hits."
Dr Adhanom stated that the pandemic is still 'accelerating', as it took three months for the first million cases, compares to the eight days it took for the last million cases to appear. "It is so much more than a health crisis. It is an economic, social, and political crisis and its effects will be felt for decades to come. Our response must involve every sector," he stated.
"No country can fight this pandemic alone. The greatest threat is not the virus but the lack of global solidarity and leadership," said Dr Adhanom. "We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world. Together we must work to ensure that the lessons of this pandemic and learned and the world never again finds itself unprepared," he added.
During his speech, he thanked the UAE leaders - His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces - for extending their support with essential medical supplies to lesser-developed countries.
Dr Adhanom said, "I would like to thank the Crown Prince for his generous support in distributing supplies to less-developed nations." He also stressed the importance of a 'Universal Health Coverage' system, transparent funding and better data management systems, and a robust public health system.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
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