On 24 September 2022, the United Nations 77th Session organized a sub-session on emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, attended by leaders and experts in global health, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, South African Minister of Health Joseph Phaahla and WHO Director-General Dr.Tedros. They also conducted in-depth discussions on the future global prevention and control of the novel coronavirus epidemic.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said there are three major gaps that need to be closed if we are to end the pandemic this year as it continues to affect lives, livelihoods and economies, as well as increase poverty and inequality:
1) The booster shot gap must be closed. Vaccination booster rates remain low around the world, especially in low-income countries, where only 35% of health workers and 31% of older people have been fully vaccinated and boosted.
2) Gaps in COVID-19 testing must be closed. Testing for COVID-19 is declining around the world, leaving the world open to the possibility of some new variants, undermining the creation of new treatments. And we must increase access to testing and treatment, especially in low – and middle-income countries.
3) Gaps in preparedness must be closed. Now is the time to strengthen our defenses against future threats and invest in early warning, diagnostic capabilities, and relevant health workers, so we can no longer be caught unprepared.
Joseph Phaahla, South Africa’s Minister of Health, said the pandemic is far from over. One million people have died this year from the pandemic, and these deaths could be saved. We must help the most vulnerable people, especially health care workers and other high-risk groups.
Who Director-General Dr.Tedros says we are in the best possible position to end the pandemic. The number of new daily cases is at its latest low since the start of the pandemic. Two-thirds of the global population is protected by vaccines, including 75% of health workers and the elderly, but the true end of the pandemic will come when we have the tools to test and access to vaccines for all. This does not mean that the virus itself will end, but that countries will be able to manage it well and continue to protect people from respiratory immunity as variants emerge.
During the epidemic, you shall wear Lanhine’s face mask.
Post time: Oct-07-2022