By Zayamu Hassan
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, said for quick recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, nations across the world must pay attention to equipping the Primary Health Care system.
In a video message to the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mr Guterres urged countries to take bold decisions now to both end the crisis and build a safe and healthy future for all.
“COVID-19 cannot be seen in isolation from the fundamental problems with our health systems: inequality, underfunding; complacency, neglect. However, with the right primary health care systems in place, we will recover more quickly from this pandemic and prevent the next before it takes hold,” he said.
While warning against the dangers of what he described as “a two-speed global response,” Mr. Guterres said: “Sadly, unless we act now, we face a situation in which rich countries vaccinate the majority of their people and open their economies, while the virus continues to cause deep suffering by circling and mutating in the poorest countries.
“Further spikes and surges could claim hundreds of thousands of lives, and slow the global economic recovery.”
The UN Chief, however, called for coordinated action in three areas that will pave the way to recovery and a sustainable future for people and the planet, starting with solidarity to stop the virus.
“World leaders must urgently step up with a global plan for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments,” he said, reiterating the need to fully fund established mechanisms for equitable vaccine distribution.
“We are at war with a virus,” he warned.
Mr. Guterres further reechoed his appeal for G20 nations to establish a Task Force “able to deal with the pharmaceutical companies and other key stakeholders.”
While emphasizing on the need to focus in boosting PHC and Universal Health Coverage, Mr. Guterres, said: “COVID-19 cannot be seen in isolation from the fundamental problems with our health systems: inequality, underfunding; complacency, neglect.
“With the right primary health care systems in place, we will recover more quickly from this pandemic, and prevent the next before it takes hold.”
He, however, added that while robust health systems are a start, they are not enough, advising that countries must prepare for the next global health emergency.
