UN marks 1st International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, on the birthdate of Louis Pasteur, the French biologist responsible for ground-breaking work on vaccinations
In his message on the first International Day of Epidemic Preparedness António Guterres, Secretary General, United Nations called for solidarity and coordination, saying that they are crucial, “within and among countries; no one is safe unless all of us are safe.”
He also said that across the work being done by various agencies like the UN and WHO, “science must be our guide.”
Coming in the backdrop of the death toll from COVID-19 crossing more than 1.7 million people, he said, “As we strive to control and recover from the current pandemic, we must think about the next. Unfortunately, it is easy to imagine a virus just as infectious but even more lethal.”
He advocated that “Preparedness is a sound investment, costing far less than emergency expenditures. Societies need stronger health systems, including universal health coverage. People and families need more social protection. Communities on the frontlines need timely support. Countries need more effective technical cooperation. And we need to pay greater attention to the encroachment of people and livestock into animal habitats; 75 per cent of new and emerging human infectious diseases are zoonotic.”
Concluding, the UN Secretary-General pointed out, “This International Day falls on the birthdate of Louis Pasteur, the French biologist responsible for ground-breaking work on vaccinations. In honouring his work, I salute today’s medical professionals, front-line personnel and essential workers who have carried the world through this emergency with such remarkable commitment. As we recover from the pandemic, let us resolve to build up our prevention capacities so that we are ready when the world faces the next outbreak.”