'The
Covid-19 'pandemic' is the
biggest challenge to the global community since the 1940s.
At that time,
following the devastation of two world wars, political
leaders came together to forge the multilateral system.
The aims were
clear:
-
to bring
countries together
-
to dispel
the temptations of isolationism and nationalism
-
to
address the challenges that could only be achieved
together in the spirit of solidarity and
cooperation, namely, peace, prosperity, health and
security
'Today, we hold
the same hope that as we fight to overcome the Covid-19
'pandemic' together, we can build a more robust
international health architecture that will protect future
generations.
There will be
other 'pandemics' and other major health emergencies.
No single
government or multilateral agency can address this threat
alone. The question is not if, but when.
Together, we must
be better prepared to predict, prevent, detect, assess and
effectively respond to 'pandemics' in a highly coordinated
fashion.
The Covid-19
'pandemic' has been a stark and painful reminder that nobody
is safe until everyone is safe.
'We are, therefore, committed to ensuring universal and
equitable access to safe, efficacious and affordable
vaccines, medicines and diagnostics for this and future
'pandemics'.
Immunization is a
global public good and we will need to be able to develop,
manufacture and deploy vaccines as quickly as possible.
This is why the
Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A)
was set up in order to promote equal access to tests,
treatments and vaccines and support health systems across
the globe.
ACT-A has
delivered on many aspects but equitable access is yet to be
achieved. There is more we can do to promote global access.
'To that end, we believe that nations should work together
towards a new international treaty for 'pandemic'
preparedness and response. Such a renewed collective
commitment would be a milestone in stepping up 'pandemic'
preparedness at the highest political level.
It would be
rooted in the constitution of the World Health
Organization (WHO),
drawing in other relevant organizations key to this
endeavor, in support of the principle of health for all.
Existing global
health instruments, especially the International Health
Regulations, would underpin such a treaty, ensuring a
firm and tested foundation on which we can build and
improve.
'The main goal of this treaty would be to foster an
all-of-government and all-of-society approach, strengthening
national, regional and global capacities and resilience to
future 'pandemics'.
This includes
greatly enhancing international cooperation to improve, for
example, alert systems, data-sharing, research, and local,
regional and global production and distribution of medical
and public health countermeasures,
such as vaccines,
medicines, diagnostics and personal protective equipment.
'It would also include recognition of a 'One Health'
approach that connects the health of humans, animals and our
planet. And such a treaty should lead to more mutual
accountability and shared responsibility, transparency and
cooperation within the international system and with its
rules and norms.
'To achieve this, we will work with heads of state and
governments globally and all stakeholders, including civil
society and the private sector.
We are convinced
that it is our responsibility, as leaders of nations and
international institutions, to ensure that the world learns
the lessons of the Covid-19 'pandemic'.
'At a time when Covid-19 has exploited our weaknesses and
divisions, we must seize this opportunity and come together
as a global community for peaceful cooperation that extends
beyond this crisis.
Building our
capacities and systems to do this will take time and require
a sustained political, financial and societal commitment
over many years.
'Our solidarity in ensuring that the world is better
prepared will be our legacy that protects our children and
grandchildren and minimizes the impact of future 'pandemics'
on our economies and our societies.
Pandemic
preparedness needs global leadership for a global health
system fit for this millennium.
To make this
commitment a reality, we must be guided by solidarity,
fairness, transparency, inclusiveness and equity.'
Boris
Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Emmanuel
Macron, president of France
Angela
Merkel, chancellor of Germany
Dr. Tedros
Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO
...and 21
other world leaders.
