UN approved December 27 as ‘Epidemic Preparedness Day’
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has approved a resolution that proclaims December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
Highlights
- This approval has been given in order to keep a global spotlight on the need to strengthen the global measures to curb and prevent pandemics such as COVID-19.
- The resolution was adopted through a consensus by the 193-member world body.
- The day expresses the “grave concern at the devastating impacts of infectious diseases and epidemics” on human lives.
About the resolution
The resolution highlighted that the Epidemics effects the long-term social and economic development. It creates health crises that threaten the overstretched health systems, disrupt global supply chains and cause disproportionate devastation of the livelihoods of people. It also affects the economies of the poorest and most vulnerable countries.
What the UNGA said?
The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) highlighted the urgency to have a robust health systems. It expressed its deep concern over the fact that without international attention “future epidemics have potential to surpass the previous outbreaks in terms of intensity and gravity.” The assembly further asked the UN World Health Organization to facilitate the observance of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
Significance of the day
The day seeks to ensure the transmission and exchange of information, scientific knowledge and best practices among the states. This exchange would help in preventing and responding to epidemics locally, regionally, nationally as well as internationally.
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
UNGA is one of the principal organs of the United Nations (UN) among the six principal organs. The body serves as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the United Nations. The UNGA helps in framing the UN budget, appointing non-permanent members to security Council and appointing Secretary-General to the United Nations. It is the only UN organ where all the member states enjoys the equal representation.