In a message on the occasion of today’s commemoration of International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, the UN chief stressed the need for better surveillance to detect and monitor viruses with epidemic potential, resilient health systems supported by universal health coverage, well-trained, well-equipped and well-paid health workforces.

“We also need equitable access to vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and life-saving technology for all countries”, Mr. Guterres added.

The UN chief recalled that three years ago this month, the virus that causes Covid-19 was first detected and pointed out that the costs have been catastrophic. Since the pandemic struck, he pointed out that millions of lives have been lost, as hundreds of millions fallen ill. And economies have been shattered, health systems stretched, and trillions of dollars lost.

Moreover, progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been “thrown off track”, the top UN official argued.

“Developing countries were often left to fend for themselves, shamefully denied the vaccines, tests or treatments they needed to protect their people”, he stated.

“On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, I urge all countries to stand with our efforts to ensure the world is equipped and ready to take on the health challenges to come”.

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