Foreign Affairs Minister Khanal calls for equity and solidarity in global pandemic preparedness

Kathmandu: Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal has called for multilateralism, equity and solidarity to be placed at the centre of global efforts to prevent and respond to pandemics and public health emergencies.

Addressing a high-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister Khanal stressed the need to shift from a reactive approach to a culture of prevention.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic showed how a health emergency in one place could quickly develop into a global crisis. It also exposed inequalities in access to healthcare, vaccines, medicines, technology and financial resources.

Minister Khanal said Nepal welcomes the World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement and amended International Health Regulations as important steps towards strengthening global pandemic preparedness.

He outlined five priorities for global pandemic preparedness, including ensuring equity in global health security and sustainable financing for pandemic preparedness.

He also called for stronger multilateral cooperation with the WHO at the centre and meaningful representation of developing countries.

Minister Khanal stressed the need to put communities at the centre of preparedness through a whole-of-government, whole-of-society and One Health approach.

He also called for greater participation of young people as partners, innovators and future leaders in pandemic preparedness.

The Foreign Minister urged increased investment in resilient health systems, skilled health workers, disease surveillance, early warning systems, research and community-level preparedness.

He called for stronger international cooperation to build a safe, equitable and resilient world where no country or generation is left behind.