The world celebrated the first International Epidemic Preparedness Day
International Epidemic Preparedness Day was first celebrated on 27 December. He highlights the need to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and calls for active investment in preparedness to cope with future health emergencies.
“As we strive to control and recover from the current pandemic, we must think of the next one,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutterres, highlighting the need for strong health systems and technical cooperation for countries.
International Epidemic Preparedness Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in early December. It falls on the birthday of Louis Pasteur, a French chemist and microbiologist known for his pioneering work in vaccination.
In his address to mark the landmark date, the head of WHO urged countries to invest in preparedness capacity to prevent and mitigate the consequences of emergencies.
“True preparedness is not only a challenge for the health sector, it requires a whole-of-government approach and the efforts of the whole community,” added Tedros Adanom Ghebreyesus.
