KATHMANDU, Dec 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has underlined the necessity of universal access to COVID-19 vaccines once they are available for use.

Addressing the General Debate of the ‘31st Special Session of the UN General Assembly in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic’ on Thursday afternoon through a pre-recorded video, Prime Minister Oli said the vaccines must be truly global public goods and cannot be the means of maximizing profit. 

Prime Minister Oli further stressed on the need of global solidarity and cooperation to tackle the pressing challenges such as poverty, hunger, rising inequality, climate crisis and global pandemic. He also called for the genuine collective commitment to fend off the crisis, save lives, and protect societies.

During his address, Prime Minister Oli said that the pandemic response of Nepal was aimed at protecting people’s lives, strengthening the health care system and building a sustainable and resilient recovery.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli stated that testing and treatment services were provided free of charge to the needy people and necessary infrastructures, human and financial resources, and medical equipment were ensured to the health systems in federal, provincial, and local levels.

“Beginning from almost none, we extended PCR testing facilities to 68 laboratories across the country. We developed a total of 48 COVID-19 related Protocols and Guidelines. We are moving ahead with the target of building hospitals with basic health care facilities in all 753 local levels.”

Prime Minister Oli also emphasized on the need for greater support for the countries in special situations to help them stabilize their economy, safeguard fiscal space and tackle debt crises. He further said that the pandemic should not be used as a pretext for backtracking from international solidarity and commitments. 

Prime Minister Oli underscored the necessity to align the rebuilding efforts with the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement, with more investment in health care and social protection, infrastructure, and creation of jobs.

A total of 155 leaders including 37 heads of state and 39 heads of government are scheduled to address the Special Session. The two-day Special Session being held under the theme of COVID-19 Pandemic will conclude on Friday.

 
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