Guterres: "On this World Health Day, let us commit to work together for a healthy, equitable world"

United Nations Secretary General highlighted the inequalities and injustices of our health systems and urged everyone to work together for a healthy, equitable world. 

In a message commemorating the World Health Day Secretary-General António Guterres said within countries, illness and death from COVID-19 has been higher among people and communities that contend with poverty, unfavourable living and working conditions, discrimination and social exclusion.  Globally, the vast majority of vaccine doses administered have been in a few wealthy countries or those producing vaccines, he added. 

Secretary General said that thanks to the COVAX initiative, more nations are now beginning to receive vaccine supplies, but most people in low- and middle-income countries still must watch and wait. 

Guterres emphasized that such inequities are immoral, and they are dangerous for everyone's health, everyone's economies and the societies. 

"As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must implement policies and allocate resources so all can enjoy the same health outcomes. That means achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030", he added. 

Secretary-General underlined the importance of universal health coverage so that everyone, everywhere, can thrive.