Business View Caribbean - Feb 2024

‘ACT ON THE LESSONS OFCOVID-19’, GUTERRES SAYS ON EPIDEMIC PREPAREDNESS DAY healthcare supplies, and ensure everyone has access to diagnostics, treatments and vaccines,” he stressed, adding that WHO’s authority and financing must also be strengthened. JOINT EFFORTS He said the way forward lies through global cooperation. The world must improve surveillance of viruses, strengthen health systems, and make the promise of Universal Health Coverage a reality. The Secretary-General said these efforts are making progress. He recalled that the High-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, held in September, concluded with a robust political declaration which complements negotiations underway towards a pandemic accord. This first-ever global agreement aims to enhance collaboration, cooperation, and equity in responding to pandemics of the future, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in his end-of-year message published on Tuesday. The pandemic accord will help to create a safer and healthier world with a universal system of response to disease eruptions, he added. Mr. Guterres urged countries to build on this momentum by delivering a strong, comprehensive accord, focused on equity. “Together, let’s act on the lessons of COVID-19, prepare, and build a fairer, healthier world for all,” he said. 12 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 02