WHO asks World to prepare for next pandemic, applauds solidarity shown during Covid

During the 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA), international agency WHO has asked World leaders to prepare for the next pandemic.

During the Assembly which was held virtually, the World Health Organisation said that countries with robust health emergency preparedness infrastructure have been able to act quickly to control the spread of COVID-19.

According to the World Health Organisation, COVID-19 can be defeated with 'science, solutions and solidarity'. It also warned countries not to backslide on critical health goals.

WHO also highlighted how the foundation for a stable World is only possible if every nation pays adequate attention to developing its healthcare services.

WHO said, 'The COVID-19 pandemic is a sobering reminder that health is the foundation of social, economic and political stability.'

Applauding nations which have successfully curbed the spread, WHO said, 'Although this is a global crisis, many countries and cities have successfully prevented or controlled transmission with a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.'

Speaking about Covid-19 pandemic, the international agency said that it was an unprecedented event where the entire World rallied together to develop procurement strategies for vaccines and improve the overall quality of healthcare.

It said, 'The World has rallied behind a plan to accelerate the development of the vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics we need, and to ensure they are available to all countries on the basis of equity.'

WHO also outlined the need to address global health issues in the coming decade and discussed its Immunization Agenda 2030, the Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030 along with initiatives taken to address cervical cancer, tuberculosis, eye care, food safety and preparedness against influenza.

WHO stated that WHA will consider a draft resolution that strengthens member states’ preparedness for health emergencies, such as Covid-19, through more robust compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005).

This resolution calls on the global health community to ensure that all countries are better equipped to detect and respond to cases of Covid-19 and other dangerous infectious diseases, it urged.

As per WHO data more than 47 million Covid-19 cases have been reported so far with more than 1.2 million people losing their lives to the pandemic.