World must coordinate actions to better face future global health challenges: PM Wong
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PM Lawrence Wong said in a video message that Singapore remains committed to doing its part for global health.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
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SINGAPORE – Although the Covid-19 pandemic is over, risks to global health remain and the international health system remains under severe strain.
“The need for coordinated action has never been greater,” said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a video message at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva on May 20.
He said that Singapore remains committed to doing its part for global health.
“A disease anywhere can become a threat everywhere, viruses know no borders,” he said.
“The only way forward is for all of us to tackle global health challenges together.”
Reiterating Singapore’s position, PM Wong said the Republic is “firmly committed to an open, stable and rules-based multilateral system”, and also noted that global problems require global solutions.
That is why Singapore has been steadfast in supporting the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its role in global health governance, he said.
Reflecting the country’s commitment to global health security, Singapore was among the first to pledge to the WHO Investment Round in 2024, contributing $24 million
PM Wong also brought up how the Republic hosted the Philanthropy Asia Summit
He said the WHO has demonstrated that international cooperation is able to continue despite uncertainties in the world landscape.
Despite deep differences, countries were able to reach a consensus on the Pandemic Agreement in April
The agreement aims to improve global preparations and responses to future pandemics, said PM Wong, who called it an encouraging development for both global health and multilateralism.
He said: “It reminds us of what we can achieve as an international community, when countries come together to find common ground and forge shared solutions.”
