President Rodrigo R. Duterte stated that it is “gross injustice” if a country will be left behind in the provision of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine.
In the 31st special session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the COVID-19 pandemic, President Duterte pointed out that there must be no country left behind in having access to the vaccine especially when its development in various parts of the world is continuous. He asserted that “life-saving services and products” must be accessible to the “most vulnerable.”
“The most to the least. If any country is excluded by reason of poverty or strategic unimportance, this gross injustice will haunt the world for a long time. We cannot let this happen. No one is safe unless everyone is safe.”
The Chief Executive also ensured the Philippines’ strengthened cooperation in various aspects.
“The Philippines strongly supports global medical and scientific initiatives forged at the WHO. These include the ACT Accelerator, COVAX Facility, and C-TAP.”
He assured that the “Philippines will do its part. We will contribute in the pooling of global resources and help other countries without preconditions.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine Chief Executive shared that despite the pandemic, other problems such as terrorism must not be tolerated.
“In many parts of the world, the pandemic has worsened threats to peace and security. The Philippines supports the Secretary General’s report for a global ceasefire. It is most welcome and appreciated.”
Report from Mela Lesmoras
