Excellencies and partners,
We come to the close of what has been an insightful and engaging discussion, which I am certain will make critical contributions to the outcomes of this Summit.
I take this opportunity to summarize several key points.
First, you highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are still vaccinating at lower rates than the global average, not out of choice, but because they are being left behind.
SIDS need wealthier countries to share more vaccine doses now, ideally through COVAX. SIDS also need COVID-19 tests and treatments for those ill with COVID-19, and health systems that can deliver these lifesaving tools.
You emphasized the need for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator to be adequately funded, to which I fully agree. You can be certain of WHO’s ongoing advocacy and support.
Second, you reiterated your commitment to address the many acute and existential health and development threats SIDS face.
Climate change and related natural disasters, the burden of noncommunicable diseases and malnutrition, and the ongoing pandemic and its social and economic impacts – these all are threats to lives, livelihoods, health and well-being. As you rightly pointed out, they can only be addressed through multisectoral actions, including on the environmental, economic and social determinants of health.
Third was the need for increased access to innovative technologies that can strengthen emergency preparedness and risk mitigation. I appreciate the commitment expressed by our partner representatives, including with regard to implementation support, which is too often overlooked.
Fourth, you highlighted the central importance of primary care to building health system resilience and achieving universal health coverage and health security, including full compliance with the International Health Regulations.
Of specific note was the need for increased access to quality-assured medicines and medical supplies, for which innovative mechanisms such as pooled procurement and joint regulatory approaches could have significant impact.
Also highlighted was the importance of continued health workforce strengthening, enhanced health data systems, and increased access to digital technologies and mental health and psychosocial support, which is especially needed in the months to come.
Fifth was sustainable and predictable financing. As I earlier noted, SIDS are now facing both a health crisis and a fiscal crisis, with debt servicing threatening to create a solvency crisis. This would not only threaten countries' efforts to respond to COVID-19, but also hamper their recovery and exacerbate health and development inequities.
It is imperative that the UN system and its many partners develop more specific platforms and financing frameworks that enable SIDS to achieve their long-term vision.
Sixth was the need to intensify collaboration and partnership to achieve a healthier, fairer and more resilient future.
Since 1992, the SIDS grouping has made so much progress in so many areas. It is now time to vigorously leverage this forum for health, ensuring that health is adequately integrated into the climate agenda ahead of the 26th Climate Change Conference in November, and into renewed efforts to build sustainable and resilient food systems.
No problem will be solved on its own, just as no country alone can solve all problems. Together, we must combine our knowledge, voice, resources and support, and ensure that the priorities of SIDS achieve the global profile and buy-in they require.
I once again thank you for your contributions and reiterate WHO’s full support to all SIDS in creating a healthier, more health-secure and sustainable future for all.
I thank you once more; this Ministerial Panel is hereby closed.