UN Secretary-General's message on Epidemic Preparedness Day

Three years ago this month, the virus that causes COVID-19 was first detected.

It has been the cause of many disasters. Millions of lives were lost and hundreds of millions of people contracted diseases. Economies weakened, health systems became fragile, and millions of dollars were lost. As a result, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals is sidelined. Developing countries are sidelined, and access to the vaccines, tests or treatments needed to protect their people is hindered.

COVID-19 will not be the last epidemic or pandemic that humanity will face. As a global community, we must take valuable lessons from COVID-19 and make investments in pandemic preparedness, prevention and response.

We need better surveillance to detect and monitor viruses that have epidemic potential. We need stronger health systems supported by global health coverage. And we need a well-trained, equipped and paid health workforce.

We also need equitable access to life-saving vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and technologies for the entire country.

So we must counter the threat of misinformation and pseudoscience with information that has been proven by science and science.

The pandemic cannot be fought by just one country. All must unite. COVID-19 is a wake-up call for all.

On this International Day for Epidemic Preparedness, I call on all countries to join our efforts to ensure the world is equipped and ready for the health challenges ahead.