The United Nations(UN)’s observed the first ever International Day of Epidemic Preparedness across the globe on 27th December 2020. The day recognises the role of government and other stakeholders like healthcare workers in controlling and managing the outbreak of epidemic.
Aim:
To promote the importance of the prevention of, preparedness for and the partnership against epidemics.
Objective:
To strengthen the global measures against epidemic prevention and preparedness for the future health crises.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/75/L.18 on 7th December 2020 and proclaimed the 27th December of every year as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
ii.The UNGA has called on its member nations to observe the day in accordance with National contexts and priorities through education and activities to raise awareness.
Key Points:
The UN has also requested WHO to facilitate the observance of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness to ensure science based information and best practices for disease prevention and response across the globe.
UN response to COVID-19:
i.In September 2020, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations launched the “UN Comprehensive Response to COVID-19” to save lives, protect societies, and recover better.
ii.As a part of the COVID-19 response, the UN secretary general issues policy briefs to provide ideas to governments on how to address the consequences of the pandemic.
iii.The 3 components of UN response to COVID-19 are,
- Delivering large-scale, coordinated and comprehensive health responses.
- Adopting policies that address the socio economic, humanitarian and human rights aspects of the crisis.
- Recovery process to build back better.
iv.The UN has been looking funding for the COVID-19 response through 3 main plans,
- Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan: To address immediate health needs.
- Global Humanitarian Response Plan: To ease the impacts in the 50 most vulnerable countries.
- UN framework for the immediate socio-economic response: To deliver rapid recovery.
About United Nations(UN):
Secretary-General– António Guterres
Headquarters– New York, United States of America
About United Nations General Assembly(UNGA):
President– Volkan Bozkır
Headquarters– New York, United States of America
