Co-Chairs, Ambassador Frazier and Ambassador WebsonMy colleague, Fekita, USG of OHRLLS,Excellencies,Panelists,Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honoured to join you at this meeting.
Today¡¯s discussion is the first in a series of Global SIDS Partnerships Webinars organized under the auspices of the SIDS Partnerships Framework. It is an integral part of the UN Steering Committee on SIDS Partnerships approved Work Programme for 2020.
I commend the Co-chairs for their choice of topic and efforts in organizing this event. It provides a practical platform to exchange experiences, best practices and lessons learnt, thus encouraging formation of new, genuine and durable partnerships for SIDS.Excellencies,
As we speak, COVID-19 continues to rage, unaffected by seasonal trends, sparing no region, and threatening to inflict the worst recession since the Great Depression. This a public health and economic crisis has exposed vulnerabilities and inequalities within and among countries.
Prior to COVID-19, SIDS were already confronting unique challenges in preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious diseases.
With an average Global Health Security Index score of 28.9 out of 100, SIDS health security capabilities are well below the global average of 40.2. They generally lack healthcare infrastructure and technologies; their health workforce is limited; public health spending, as a percentage of overall government expenditure, is typically low.
High prevalence of pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity, make populations in SIDS particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Most SIDS do not have COVID-19 testing or advanced facilities to care for severe cases needing specialized treatment.The latest statistics from WHO reveals that the health impact of COVID-19 in SIDS ranges from relatively severe in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, to mostly contained outbreaks in the Caribbean, to almost virus free in the Pacific. Swift actions by many SIDS governments in limiting cross boarder movement and imposing strict social distancing measures, must be commended as it has gained some positive results in containing the spread of the virus.
Excellencies,
COVID-19 has exposed inadequacies in health systems worldwide. As countries plan for recovery, attention should not only be on strengthening of health systems at the national level, but also at the global level through investing in global public goods for health. International solidarity and multilateral support are critical to forging a stronger global health system and building resilience against future epidemics, pandemics and other public health challenges.
Excellencies,
Only through a concerted effort as a united, global community, can the world overcome COVID-19 and pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Strengthening long-standing multilateral cooperation with and supporting SIDS in addressing their vulnerabilities and sustainable development efforts has never been more critical than in any other juncture in our recent history.
I look forward to today¡¯s discussion - and to hear your views on how, we can together, map our way forward.
Thank you.
I am honoured to join you at this meeting.
Today¡¯s discussion is the first in a series of Global SIDS Partnerships Webinars organized under the auspices of the SIDS Partnerships Framework. It is an integral part of the UN Steering Committee on SIDS Partnerships approved Work Programme for 2020.
I commend the Co-chairs for their choice of topic and efforts in organizing this event. It provides a practical platform to exchange experiences, best practices and lessons learnt, thus encouraging formation of new, genuine and durable partnerships for SIDS.Excellencies,
As we speak, COVID-19 continues to rage, unaffected by seasonal trends, sparing no region, and threatening to inflict the worst recession since the Great Depression. This a public health and economic crisis has exposed vulnerabilities and inequalities within and among countries.
Prior to COVID-19, SIDS were already confronting unique challenges in preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious diseases.
With an average Global Health Security Index score of 28.9 out of 100, SIDS health security capabilities are well below the global average of 40.2. They generally lack healthcare infrastructure and technologies; their health workforce is limited; public health spending, as a percentage of overall government expenditure, is typically low.
High prevalence of pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity, make populations in SIDS particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Most SIDS do not have COVID-19 testing or advanced facilities to care for severe cases needing specialized treatment.The latest statistics from WHO reveals that the health impact of COVID-19 in SIDS ranges from relatively severe in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, to mostly contained outbreaks in the Caribbean, to almost virus free in the Pacific. Swift actions by many SIDS governments in limiting cross boarder movement and imposing strict social distancing measures, must be commended as it has gained some positive results in containing the spread of the virus.
Excellencies,
COVID-19 has exposed inadequacies in health systems worldwide. As countries plan for recovery, attention should not only be on strengthening of health systems at the national level, but also at the global level through investing in global public goods for health. International solidarity and multilateral support are critical to forging a stronger global health system and building resilience against future epidemics, pandemics and other public health challenges.
Excellencies,
Only through a concerted effort as a united, global community, can the world overcome COVID-19 and pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Strengthening long-standing multilateral cooperation with and supporting SIDS in addressing their vulnerabilities and sustainable development efforts has never been more critical than in any other juncture in our recent history.
I look forward to today¡¯s discussion - and to hear your views on how, we can together, map our way forward.
Thank you.
File date:
Thursday, July 30, 2020