International Days are an occasion to educate the general public on issues of concern in the world, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to strengthen the achievements of humankind.
The COVID-19 pandemic serves as an example of the possible catastrophic consequences of major infectious diseases and epidemics on human lives. The spread of this virus has contributed to the development of a crisis situation not only in the field of health, but also in the field of economy, humanitarian aid, security and human rights protection.
The Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus believes that the COVID-19 pandemic will not be the last, we must be prepared for this.
In the absence of attention from the international community, future epidemics may surpass in intensity and severity previous ones. It is therefore important at the local, national, regional and global levels to raise awareness, exchange information, scientific knowledge and best practices, quality education and outreach programs on epidemics and their prevention and response.
The United Nations is implementing a three-pronged response strategy. First, it is a large-scale, coordinated and integrated health response, led by WHO, in accordance with the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. Second, comprehensive efforts are being made to preserve people's lives and sources of livelihood, to overcome the devastating humanitarian and socio-economic consequences of the crisis. Third, the UN is supporting countries to ensure that the recovery from COVID-19 contributes to building a better world, addressing fundamental vulnerabilities and creating more equitable and resilient economies, and an international system that can protect and fulfill urgent global social good.
Author: Tamara Guzovskaya, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Epidemiology;
Photos are taken from public sources;
Translation: Anastasiya Karnacheva.
