Gandhinagar, August 18th : Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), addressed the inaugural session of the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting at Gandhinagar’s Mahatma Mandir Convention Center. He underscored that even though COVID-19 is no longer classified as a global health emergency, it remains a persistent “global health threat.” Dr. Ghebreyesus also mentioned that a newly identified coronavirus variant, BA.2.86, is currently under scrutiny.
He urged countries to accelerate the finalization of the “Pandemic Accord,” aiming to have it adopted at the upcoming World Health Assembly. Dr. Ghebreyesus stressed the lessons the world has learned during the pandemic, emphasizing that the risk to health poses a risk to everything.
Highlighting the progress in discussions under the presidency of Saudi Arabia and supported by Indonesia and India, he referred to the establishment of a joint “Finance Health Task Force.” Negotiations for the Pandemic Accord and amendments to international health regulations are advancing, both vital for establishing a comprehensive, fair, and cohesive global health security framework.
He urged commitment towards a comprehensive Pandemic Accord that encompasses the full spectrum of pandemics to avoid repeating past errors. Expressing the urgency of the matter, he stated that the accord is scheduled for consideration at the World Health Assembly next year.
Dr. Ghebreyesus commended India for pioneering telemedicine at the primary healthcare level and applauded the country’s dedication to universal health coverage through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme.
Expressing gratitude to India and the G20 nations for their leadership in developing the global digital health initiative, he anticipated its formal launch. This initiative will support the WHO’s global strategy on digital health and enhance other endeavors, including the WHO global digital health certification network.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also shared remarks during the event.
