Therapeutic, Diagnostics And Vaccines For Whole World Only Way Out Of Coronavirus Pandemic: Union Minister Harsh Vardhan

New Delhi: Therapeutic, diagnostics and vaccines for the whole world is the only way out of this pandemic, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday (October 5). Addressing the special session of World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board, Mr Vardhan said, “We all understand that therapeutic, diagnostics and vaccines for whole world, only way out of this pandemic. Global collaboration is paramount. Governments, Industry and Philanthropy must pool resources to pay for the risk, the research, manufacturing and distribution but with the condition that rewards would be available to everyone regardless of where they have been developed.”

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We also understand that strengthening emergency preparedness and risk management, key to addressing health risk posed by emerging diseases and progress towards sustainable development goals, added Mr Vardhan who is also the chairman of WHO Executive Board.

Mr Vardhan also acknowledged the member states for displaying solidarity to help each other during evolving pandemic.

I must take this opportunity to acknowledge all member states for acting with speed and scale during the rapidly evolving pandemic and displaying solidarity to help each other on a bilateral as well as a multilateral basis. The hard work and determination demonstrated by the countries have saved countless lives, he said.

Speaking at the virtual event Mr Vardhan said everyone at WHO should rise to the occasion to reaffirm the fundamental truth that world is one.

I believe, we at WHO must all rise to the occasion to save the powerless and the voiceless to hopes in these darkest of hours. This is one chance, one moment to forge open collaborations and reaffirm the fundamental truth that the world is one, he said.

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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) 

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.  

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