UN Calls for Bold Investments in Pandemic Preparedness

The United Nations has urged all countries to make bold investments in monitoring and combating pandemics while ensuring fair access to life-saving tools.

In his message marking the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of global solidarity to learn from past health emergencies and prepare for future ones.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for the world. While this crisis may be behind us, it has taught us a harsh lesson: we are not ready to face the next pandemic,” Guterres stated.

He added that the spread of diseases such as monkeypox, cholera, polio, and Marburg fever serves as “a grim reminder that infectious diseases remain a real and ongoing threat to every country.”

Guterres highlighted that learning from past experiences requires building robust public and primary healthcare systems capable of withstanding crises and delivering universal health coverage. He also stressed the need for enhanced global solidarity.

Finally, he called on nations to implement the historic pandemic agreement to ensure the world is better equipped to prevent and manage future outbreaks.