IN PERSPECTIVE

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Covid-19 pandemic is one of the most dangerous challenges this world has faced in our lifetime. It is above all a human crisis
with severe health and socio-economic consequences.

This virus is unprecedented in our lifetime and requires an unprecedented response. Obviously, in such conditions, it is possible
that the same facts have had different readings by different entities. Once we have finally turned the page on this epidemic, there
must be a time to look back fully to understand how such a disease emerged and spread its devastation so quickly across the globe,
and how all those involved reacted to the crisis. The lessons learned will be essential to effectively address similar challenges, as
they may arise in the future.

But now is not that time. Now is the time for unity, for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus
and its shattering consequences.

One full year into the COVID-19 pandemic, our world has faced a tsunami of suffering. So many lives have been lost. Economies
have been upended and societies left reeling. The most vulnerable have suffered the most. Those left behind are being left even
further behind. It has been a year of empty office buildings, quiet streets and closed schools in much of the world. I commend
women, men and young people everywhere for adapting to work, learn and live in new ways. I honor health workers for their
dedication and sacrifice and all other essential workers who have kept societies running. I salute all those who have stood up to the
deniers and disinformation, and have followed science and safety protocols. You have helped save lives.

The United Nations continues to mobilize the international community to make vaccines affordable and available for all, to
recover better, and to put a special focus on the needs of those who have borne the burden of this crisis on so many levels —
women, minorities, older persons, persons with disabilities, refugees, migrants and indigenous peoples. COVAX —the global
vaccine equity mechanism — has started delivery around the world, including to some of the lowest-income countries. It is
concerning that many low-income countries have not yet received a single dose, while wealthier countries are on track to
vaccinating their entire population. We see many examples of vaccine nationalism and vaccine hoarding in wealthier countries — as
well as continued side deals with manufacturers that undermine access for all.

The global vaccination campaign represents the greatest moral test of our times.

It is also essential to restart the global economy — and help the world move from locking down societies to locking down the
virus.
COVID-19 vaccines must be seen as a global public good. The world needs to unite to produce and distribute sufficient vaccines for
all, which means at least doubling manufacturing capacity around the world. That effort must start now.

Only together can we end this pandemic and recover. Only together can we revive our economies. And then, together, we can all get
back to the things we love.

Our world has reached a heart-wrenching milestone: the COVID-19 pandemic has now claimed two million lives. Behind this
staggering number are names and faces: the smile now only a memory, the seat forever empty at the dinner table, the room that
echoes with the silence of a loved one. Sadly, the deadly impact of the pandemic has been made worse by the absence of a global
coordinated effort.

In the memory of those two million souls, the world must act with far greater solidarity. Now is the time.

Sarheen Khatib NCM 104

BSN 2B March 2021
 IN PERSPECTIVE

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out — and the UN is supporting countries to mobilize the largest global
immunization effort in history. We are committed to making sure that vaccines are seen as global public goods — people’s vaccines.
That requires full funding for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator and its COVAX facility – which is dedicated to making
vaccines available and affordable to all.

The world’s leading economies have a special responsibility. Yet today we are seeing a vaccine vacuum.

Vaccines are reaching high income countries quickly, while the world’s poorest have none at all.

Science is succeeding — but solidarity is failing.

Some countries are pursuing side deals, even procuring beyond need.

Governments have a responsibility to protect their populations, but “vaccinationalism” is self-defeating and will delay a global
recovery. COVID-19 cannot be beaten one country at a time.

We need manufacturers to step up their commitment to work with the COVAX facility and countries around the world to ensure
enough supply and fair distribution.

We need countries to commit now to sharing excess doses of vaccines. This would help vaccinate all health care workers around
the world on an urgent basis and protect health systems from collapse. Others on the frontline, including humanitarian workers and
high-risk populations, must be prioritized.

To gain public trust, we must boost vaccine confidence and knowledge with effective communication grounded in facts.

As the science continues to blaze new trails of hope, let’s also remember the simple and proven steps we can all take to keep each
other safe: wearing masks, physically distancing and avoiding crowds.

Our world can only get ahead of this virus one way — together.
Global solidarity will save lives, protect people and help defeat this vicious virus.

Sarheen Khatib NCM 104

BSN 2B March 2021