27.03.2021

His Excellency

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Your Excellency!

I have the honor to address You and thank for submitting to the World Health Organization (WHO) the draft International Code on Voluntary Commitments of States during Pandemic, which was announced at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate communities and countries around the world. Faced with an extraordinary international crisis, I called for exceptional global leadership and solidarity, for consolidation of the widest possible range of partners, taking multilateral action and ensuring that no one is left behind. In less than a year, we have seen how strong leadership can contribute to achieving the unprecedented advances in science, vaccine development, public health practice, community mobilization and political commitment.

The pandemic has exposed the fragility of our health systems, exacerbated health and social inequalities and highlighted the centrality of health to economic development and security. As we gain control over the pandemic and invest in restoration, we must also prepare for the future. We cannot allow this to happen again.

Your Excellency, I thank You for Your foresight and leadership in advancing the development of the draft International Code. We have carefully studied the document. I am impressed by the wide range of tasks and practical solutions proposed. The submission of the draft Code was on time.

We have learned a lot from the pandemic last year, and now we must look to the future. According to World Health Assembly resolution WHA73.1 on the response to COVID-19, I convened the International Health Regulations Review Committee (2005) and established an Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, which has begun its work in September 2020.

In addition, discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of developing a global framework convention on pandemic preparedness and response to complement the International Health Regulations as part of a Member State process. This issue was discussed at the WHO Information Session for WHO Member States on March 18, 2021 and attracted interest of many countries and served as a step towards further discussions.

It is time to invest in a secure future for all, build resilient and reliable health systems, and prepare for response to any future health shocks. Your Excellency, through Your political leadership, You have a decisive role to play in this regard. The draft International Code you have shared is of direct relevance to the already established pandemic review processes and to the planning of any future international pandemic response. I hope you will continue Your personal involvement in these efforts.

Thank You once again, Your Excellency, for Your commitment to preventing the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring a healthier and safer future for all. WHO stands with you in the face of this global public health emergency.

Your Excellency, please accept, my assurances of highest consideration.

 

My regards and gratitude,

 

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,

Director-General

of the World Health Organization

 

 

 

 

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