COVID-19: UN Secretary-General calls for global coordination as death toll tops 2 million

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on January 15 called for globally coordinated efforts to be stepped up as death toll from coronavirus topped two million. While calling two million count “heart-wrenching milestone”, Guterres noted that impact of pandemic has worsened and furr said that “vaccinationalism” by governments is “self-defeating” that will delay a global recovery. It is worth noting that it took eight months to hit one million de, but grim milestone of two million reached in less than four months. 

UN Chief said, “Our world has reached a heart-wrenching milestone: COVID-19 pandemic has now claimed two million lives. Behind this staggering number are names and faces: smile now only a memory, seat forever empty at dinner table, room that echoes with silence of a loved one”. 

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‘Science is succeeding but solidarity is failing’ 

He ded that dely impact of pandemic has been me worse by absence of a global coordinated effort and called for world to act with far greater solidarity in “memory of those two million souls”. Guterres said that as safe and effective coronavirus vaccines are being rolled out, world is seeing a “vaccine vacuum”. Furr, he warned that virus cannot be beaten one country at a time and furr voiced concern that vaccines are reaching high-income countries quickly, while poorest have none at all. 

“Science is succeeding but solidarity is failing. Some countries are pursuing side deals, even procuring beyond need. Governments have a responsibility to protect ir populations, but 'vaccinationalism' is self-defeating and will delay a global recovery, he said.

“Our world can only get ahe of this virus one way toger. Global solidarity will save lives, protect people and help defeat this vicious virus, he ded.

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Moreover, UN Chief said that agency is supporting countries to mobilise largest global immunisation effort in history and world organisation is committed to making sure that vaccines are seen as global public goods people's vaccines. He stressed that  manufacturers need to step up ir commitment to work with COVAX facility and countries around world to ensure enough supply and fair distribution. Guterres also ded that world must boost vaccine confidence and knowledge with effective communication grounded in facts. 

(With inputs from PTI) 

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