new Delhi: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that it would be a “grave mistake” to think that the COVID-19 crisis is over and expressed concern that nearly three billion people are still waiting for their first shot of COVID . -19 vaccine.
“Two years ago, lives of people around the world were affected by a virus. COVID-19 spread rapidly and relentlessly to every corner of the world, shutting down economies, shutting down transportation networks and supply chains, was closing schools, isolating people. loved ones, and plunging millions into poverty,” Guterres said in his message on the two-year pandemic.
He said that due to “unprecedented public health measures” and the exceptionally rapid development and deployment of antibodies, many regions of the world are bringing the pandemic under control.
“But it would be a grave mistake to think that the pandemic is over,” he said.
Guterres said that in the two years since the pandemic began, more than 446 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide and more than six million people have died, with mental health deteriorating countless more. are battling.
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Guterres expressed concern over the outrageously inconsistent distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
“Manufacturers are producing 1.5 billion doses per month, but about three billion people are still waiting for their first shot,” he said, adding that the failure is a direct result of policy and budgetary decisions that affect the health of people in wealthy countries. give priority to. Health of people in poor countries.
“It is a moral charge of our world. It is also a recipe for more types, more lockdowns and more suffering and sacrifice in every country. Our world cannot afford a two-stage recovery from COVID-19,” he said. They said.
He said, “Science and solidarity have proved to be an unbeatable combination. We must rededicate ourselves to end this pandemic for all people and all nations and to close this tragic chapter in the history of humanity forever.” “
As emergencies around the world, particularly the Russo-Ukraine war, proceed unabated amid the pandemic, Guterres said countries should keep their eye on the objective of vaccinating their populations.
“Despite many other global crises, we should reach our goal of immunizing 70 percent of people in all countries by the middle of this year,” he said.
Governments and pharmaceutical companies need to collaborate to increase the number of nations willing to create tests, vaccines and treatments by sharing licensed and protected innovation, and by providing critical mechanical and monetary support.
“At the same time, we need a ready-made national vaccine-delivery system, which includes efforts to combat disinformation and arms up vaccines,” he said.
(with PTI inputs)