Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated any vaccine or treatment invented to fight COVID-19 must be made available to all countries around the world without discrimination.
The health minister made the remarks in the statement given on behalf of the Maldives at the Solidarity Call to Action for Global Access to COVID-19 Technologies. The call was initiated by Costa Rica, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In his statement, Health Minister Ameen said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for global cooperation and the interconnected nature of the world. The minister noted the world was not prepared for a pandemic of this scale, adding the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of countries. He also highlighted the devastating socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on the world.
The health minister stated the only way to overcome the COVID-19 crisis is to work together at an international level. The minister said worldwide efforts must focus on protecting the fundamental human right of healthcare access in all countries. As such, he noted any vaccine or treatment invented for COVID-19 must be made available to all countries without discrimination.
In his statement, Minister Ameen called on countries to strengthen the support and assistance provided to vulnerable countries with limited resources. He called on countries to utilise health technologies, exchange information and strengthen international cooperation.
The Solidarity Call to Action is an international call to gather a global resource pool of health technologies and ensure accessibility for all countries. Heads of states, health ministers and senior officials of the healthcare sector from around the world took part in the call.