The UN Secretary-General on Sunday urged the leaders of all the countries of the world to assume a “continued political commitment” for a better functioning of health systems in the face of possible crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The richest countries and the international financial institutions must support developing countries so that they can make these crucial investments,” António Guterres said in his videoconference address ahead of the World Health Summit in Berlin.
Guterres highlighted the poor preparation of the vast majority of countries in the world to face a health crisis.
“Women are the most affected. They carry a greater burden of care in the family and as frontline workers”, in addition to facing “inadequate” health care networks, she argued.
Covid-19, and currently the food, energy and financial crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine threaten the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and efforts to reduce poverty.
“We have to rebalance multilateralism and strengthen global cooperation,” Guterres said.
The UN secretary general considered that “the unbalanced global financial system is failing in the developing world.”
“This must change. Everyone needs inclusive, fair and equitable access to health services, to universal health coverage,” including mental health services, she emphasized. “Good health is the foundation of a peaceful and stable society,” she added.
Source: TSF
