Kathmandu, 26 September (H.S.): Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has warned that declining international assistance for the health sector and growing pressure on budgets for pandemic preparedness could jeopardize the health capacities built over years in countries such as Nepal.

Addressing a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Khanal said that weaknesses in the health security system of any one country could have consequences for the entire world.

He said that, with support from the Pandemic Fund, Nepal has strengthened its disease surveillance systems, health laboratories and rapid-response capabilities.

The Foreign Minister outlined three key priorities for addressing pandemics. He said the Pandemic Agreement should be finalized at the earliest to ensure that vaccines, diagnostic facilities and treatments are available to all countries in a timely and affordable manner. Calling for adequate global financing for pandemic preparedness, he urged the international community to recognize it as a global public good. He also called for ensuring the protection of migrant workers during health emergencies and argued for strengthening their capacity to cope with the heightened risks they face in such circumstances.

Shishir Khanal emphasized the need to sustain international cooperation, adequate financial resources and robust health systems to prevent pandemics and respond effectively to health emergencies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar