Strong leadership needed for a more resilient world against pandemics: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said strong and decisive leadership will be essential in shaping a more resilient and prepared world against future pandemics.

"As we navigate the complexities of future pandemics, strong and decisive leadership will be essential in shaping a more resilient and prepared world," she said.

The premier made the remarks joining a virtual meeting with Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Co-chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, from Ganabhaban here in the city.
She said political leaderships engagement and commitment are essential in driving systemic changes that can enhance our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to future pandemics effectively.

"High-level political leadership ensures that pandemic preparedness and response remain a priority on the national and international agenda," said Hasina.

It facilitates the mobilization of financial resources, promotes collaboration between countries, and fosters innovation in public health systems towards achieving the shared commitment to Universal Health Coverage by 2030, she added.

"High-level political leadership is indispensable in driving reforms related to pandemic preparedness and response," she said, adding that it sets the tone for global cooperation, instills confidence in public health interventions, and ultimately saves lives.

"We must also mobilize collective political will and commitment to strengthen WHOs knowledge, technical, and financial capacity for pandemic prevention and response by addressing the highly fragmented global health governance system," she said.

The PM said the lessons from Covid-19 emphasise the need for a coordinated approach to pandemic preparedness and response, grounded in scientific evidence, global cooperation, and fairness and equity.

"A meaningful application of these lessons will be essential for mitigating the impact of future pandemics and safeguarding global health security," she said.    —UNB