First ‘International Day of Epidemic Preparedness’

December 27, 2020, was observed as the 1^st International Day of Epidemic Preparedness to highlight the importance of preparedness for a pandemic, prevention against them, and partnerships to fight them.

Key Points

• The first International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was observed on the call of the United Nations General Assembly.
• This day has been observed because the COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of spending in health systems and to be prepared for epidemic situations.
• After this, every year December 27 will be observed as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
• Like any international day, different campaigns and programmes will be conducted every year to raise awareness for epidemic preparedness.
• The World Health Organisation has played a major role in providing international support to curb pandemics and epidemics.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

UNGA i.e. United Nations General Assembly is a principal organ of the United Nations. It serves as the main representative as well as policy-making UN organ. It was formed in the year 1945. UNGA has various responsibilities like appointing the non-permanent members to the Security Council, the UN budget,  appointing the Secretary-General of the United Nations, making recommendations through resolutions, and receiving reports from other parts of the UN system. All the members of the United Nations, at present 193, are the members of UNGA. Additionally, Palestine and Holy See have observer status at UNGA.