WHO’s Three Messages at the 75th UNGA

The World Health Organization is utilizing the virtual 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly to deliver three core messages aimed at fostering a global response to the ongoing pandemic. These priorities focus on securing equitable access to medical tools, preserving essential health services, and establishing a unified foundation for future pandemic preparedness.

How can the world ensure equitable access to COVID-19 tools?

The WHO is urging world leaders to support the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT)-Accelerator, an international collaboration designed to fast-track the development, production, and distribution of tests, treatments, and vaccines. By pooling global investments, the initiative aims to share risks and costs, allowing countries to access a larger volume of resources more rapidly. The program requires US$35 billion to procure and distribute 2 billion vaccine doses, 245 million treatments, and 500 million tests over the coming year. The organization notes that this investment is minimal when compared to the broader economic impacts of the pandemic and the domestic stimulus packages currently utilized to stabilize global economies.

What is the status of essential health services?

The pandemic threatens to reverse decades of progress in global health and development. A recent WHO survey indicates that 90% of countries are reporting disruptions to essential health services. Among the most severely affected areas are routine immunization, mental health disorder treatment, family planning, and the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and non-communicable diseases. The WHO emphasizes that these challenges highlight a critical need for stronger health and data systems rooted in primary healthcare to reach universal health coverage and achieve sustainable development goals.

How should the international community prepare for future threats?

Pointing to a lack of coordinated leadership and timely action during the current crisis, the WHO is calling for a renewed commitment to multilateralism. The organization is advocating for the adoption of five specific actions outlined in the 2020 report from the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board: responsible leadership, engaged citizenship, the creation of agile health security systems, sustained investment, and strong global governance of preparedness.