WMA Statement on Strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies

THE WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
L’ASSOCIATION MEDICALE MONDIALE, INC
ASOCIACION MEDICA MUNDIAL, INC
Centre International de Bureaux FEIN : 13-2566243
Immeuble A “Keynes” Website : www.wma.net Postal Address :
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01210 FERNEY-VOLTAIRE Fax : (33) 4 50 40 59 37 01210 FERNEY-VOLTAIRE Cedex
France E-mail address : wma@wma.net France
WHO Executive Board 150th
session
15.1 Public health emergencies: preparedness and response: Strengthening WHO
preparedness for and response to health emergencies
Distinguished delegates,
The WMA supports WHO’s work to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response. We
especially value the ACT-Accelerator initiative to provide equitable access to diagnostics,
therapeutics, and vaccines.
This current pandemic demonstrates the acute inequities in access to lifesaving tools and treatments.
Globally, WHO estimates up to 180 000 health personnel have died from COVID-19. Today,
around 75% of health personnel in the African region are still left without vaccination. This is
simply unacceptable.
We urge Member States, especially high-income countries, to increase their support for global
vaccine equity. We call on WHO to involve health professionals in the planning and
implementation of policies aiming to guarantee equitable access to essential diagnostics,
therapeutics, and vaccines for the COVID-19 pandemic. This will help ensure transparent and
efficient delivery of those needed tools to the front line.
Thank you