The representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator in the State of Kuwait, Dr. Tariq Al-Sheikh, praised the ability, preparations and efficiency of the State of Kuwait in dealing with emergencies and challenges, especially against the Coronavirus pandemic.
The representative said in a joint press statement with the World Health Organization today, Monday, on the occasion of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, falling on December 27 that what we have reached now indicates the efficiency and ability of the Kuwait government to manage dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic in the interest of the public health.
The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness observed on the 27th of December is a potent call to leverage the momentum gained during these difficult times to advance into a future rooted in strong foundational systems. No tragedy on this scale should come as a surprise to us.
The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on this occasion: “COVID-19 is a human tragedy. But it has also created a generational opportunity. An opportunity to build back a more equal and sustainable world. The response to the pandemic, and to the widespread discontent that preceded it, must be based on a New Social Contract and a New Global Deal that create equal opportunities for all and respect the rights and freedoms of all”
Dr. Tarek El-Sheikh, UN Secretary General Representative Resident Coordinator in Kuwait said: “This year SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) has urged us to unify our efforts towards epidemic preparedness to better prepare for any unknown in future. Together, our expertise and challenges that we’ve faced and conquered can pave the groundwork for more robust and resilient systems with a capacity to predict, prevent and mitigate public health emergencies.
Dr. El-sheikh added, as we navigate back through the pandemic response cycle, we learn the importance of timely availability and access to accurate data systems. Large platforms for sharing genetic data have been and continue to be crucial to our containment efforts. Healthcare workers must not be left to act in the dark. We’ve confronted the weaknesses of our systems with rapid innovation; we must follow this through by placing national digital infrastructures for data capture, sharing and surveillance at the top of our developmental and preparedness agendas.
In global solidarity, we have come far; the World Health Organisation’s Solidarity Trial mobilized nearly 500 hospitals as trial sites in more than 30 countries including Kuwait to research the effectiveness of repurposed drugs, providing conclusive evidence on potential treatment modalities whilst simultaneously preventing any unnecessary drug supply shortages that may affect millions of chronic disease patients globally. This is a global effort to leave no one behind.
The promise of large international initiatives for emergency mitigation has also been echoed by COVAX, a global multisectoral alliance coordinated by Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organisation. The facility engages 2/3 of the world from governments, scientists, manufacturers, private sector and civil society to accelerate diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for COVID-19.
Through its innovative financial mechanism and diverse vaccine portfolio COVAX promises to avail 1 billion vaccine doses to 92 of the most in need countries, ensuring equitable access and fair allocation, a central principle of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) Values Framework.
No one sector can mitigate the far-reaching shocks of this crisis, which has exposed the fragility of our food systems, sustainability practices and human risk management plans. Our right to social safety, nourishment and wellbeing for ourselves and loved ones means that we must continue to forge partnerships that traverse disciplinary and country boundaries for a healthy and more equitable future.
In this spirit, the United Nations system takes this opportunity to reiterate its commitment and support to Kuwait in strengthening its epidemic preparedness systems for a safer tomorrow that leaves no one behind.
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