Manama, November 29 (BNA) His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today delivered a speech at the special session of the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization.
His Highness’ speech clarified the importance of further strengthening international cooperation on epidemic preparedness and response when facing global health challenges.
His Royal Highness delivered the following address:
Honorable Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates
On behalf of His Majesty the King of Bahrain and the people of Bahrain, I thank you for having me speak to you this morning.
As a global community, we have for decades ignored the urgent appeals of public health experts, who have repeatedly warned us of fault lines in the global health system and stark health disparities between and within nations. Today, as we mourn the loss of more than five million fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, and as we begin the challenging task of rebuilding the lives of those who have survived this devastating pandemic, we must finally be ready to listen. [pause] and work.
The coronavirus has exposed the world’s lack of preparation and exploited the bonds that bind us. Without a global action plan, countries around the world have turned inward, and as a result, we have witnessed the collapse of detection and early warning systems, the absence of standardized containment protocols, the spread of misinformation, and market and supply shocks. Chain disruptions, which still leave many without direct access to basic commodities, diagnostic and treatment tools, and vaccines.
It is imperative that we not lull ourselves into complacency with the misconception that this epidemic is a once-in-a-century anomaly. Instead, we must seize this opportunity to make real change; To approach global pandemic preparedness with the same resolve that we approach geopolitical threats to our collective safety and security. Only then will we be able to build a global health system that could one day be our first and most effective line of defense against the emergence of infectious diseases.
The Kingdom of Bahrain recognized that, as the coronavirus was only just beginning to gain momentum and before it reached our shores, this preparedness and cooperation would determine our ability to successfully navigate a crisis of this magnitude.
A full month before our first case was recorded, we set up a war room that will serve as the nerve center for the country’s containment efforts, mobilizing resources and personnel from military and civilian agencies to coordinate the response across the country.
Bahrain adopted a radical transparency policy, which fostered a sense of public trust and collective responsibility. Community leaders, medical practitioners, policy makers, citizens and residents came together to form one team united around a firm sense of common purpose. This spirit of unity permeated every corner of society. For example, over 50,000 citizens, in a country of just 1.5 million people, have offered their services as volunteers in many different fields.
With this collective spirit, we have been able to increase bed capacity sixfold, secure alternative housing for people living in crowded spaces, and equip hospitals with enough PPE, ventilators and medication.
As a result of these efforts, Bahrain has one of the highest cure rates in the world as well as vaccination coverage of 93% of the eligible population of which around 50% have been boosted so far. But physical health wasn’t our only priority: Economic and mental health featured prominently in our response. With community acceptance and a world-leading “test, trace and treat” system, we were able to avoid the brunt of the crisis without having to impose a nationwide lockdown.
Bahrain’s efforts, while effective as a nationwide response, are not a substitute for a global public health system capable of stopping the pathogen in its tracks. But our experience is instructive insofar as it attests to the importance of preparedness and early intervention in life and death, and demonstrates the value of transparency, cooperation, and an enduring commitment to science-based policy making. We believe that these same principles should guide our discussions here today.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Corona virus has surrounded the world with many challenges. However, none of them can be overcome if we are willing to work together. Over the past two years, we have seen scientists from around the world leapfrog years of research to develop highly effective vaccines in record time. And while the pandemic is filled with similar kick-off moments, we must ensure equal and ready access to these game-changing innovations, particularly in the context of new emerging variables. In fact, vaccine coverage, which is more than 40 percent globally, drops to less than three percent in some countries. And with about a billion inactive doses in others, millions of avoidable deaths are likely to occur. We can solve this challenge and others if we muster the political will to look outside again.
We hope that the countries of the world will unite and adhere to the lessons of this crisis in pursuit of a united front that serves the moral duty of protecting current and future generations from the scourge of epidemics.
The World Health Organization is holding the Extraordinary Summit of the World Health Assembly from November 29 to December 1, 2021 to discuss mechanisms for strengthening joint efforts and developing global measures to address and prevent epidemiological challenges.
NS