Bahrain has been urged to help the World Health Organisation (WHO) draw up a ‘Pandemic Treaty’.
Visiting WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the kingdom’s successful strategy in combating the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) should be documented for the larger good of the world.
The 74th World Health Assembly (WHA74) to be held in November this year will discuss how global co-ordination can help prevent and control the spread of non-communicable diseases.
It is also expected to draft a treaty to bridge gaps in global co-operation while sharing data.
“We seek your commitment for strengthening health security nationally, regionally and globally,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.
“All the member-states have agreed to hold a special session of the assembly in November this year to consider developing a ‘Pandemic Treaty’.
“One of the major gaps exposed during the current pandemic has been the lack of international solidarity and sharing – of pathogen data, epidemiological information, resources, and technology.
“A framework convention or other international instrument could address this fundamental weakness by providing a solid foundation for enhanced co-operation, and we seek support for this important initiative.”
This was among three requests to Bahrain which Dr Ghebreyesus voiced while speaking at a Press conference held remotely from the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research, Riffa yesterday.
The WHO chief also urged Bahrain to continue its comprehensive approach to protect people from Covid-19 and sought support for WHO’s global initiatives to get people vaccinated.
“We urge you to continue striving to make progress towards universal health coverage, especially by building strong primary health,” he said.
“There are always more services to cover and financial gaps to close.
“We urge you to continue a comprehensive approach to protect your people from Covid-19.
“The pandemic is a long way from over, and every country must continue with a tailored and consistent approach of public health measures and vaccination.
“We also seek Bahrain’s support in controlling Covid-19 pandemic regionally and globally.
“To do that, WHO’s target is to support every country to vaccinate at least 10 per cent of its population by the end of September, 40pc by the end of 2021 and 70pc by the middle of 2022.
Sharing
“To reach those goals, we need 11 billion vaccine doses, and we need your support, by sharing doses and funds to control Covid-19 all over the world.”
He also added that he had requested the Health and Defence Ministries to document Bahrain’s experience which, he said, “will not only help the country to reshape its system but also share it with other countries”.
However, he cautioned against getting complacent.
“The delta variant is wreaking havoc around the world and many countries have seen increased cases and deaths despite high vaccination rates.
“Complacency is as dangerous as the virus itself,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.
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