UNGA: Political Declaration on pandemic pays lip service to equity

New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur, 19 September (K M Gopakumar and Chee Yoke Ling) – The text of the Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR) that will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High Level Meeting on 20 September pays lip service to equity.

A few developed countries have used their power to reinforce the status quo without accommodating pressing issues raised by developing countries to realise equity in PPPR. Developing countries, collectively through the Group of 77 (G77) and some Member States individually, raised critical issues to enhance their capabilities in PPPR especially equitable access, diversified production of health products, access to finance including debt relief.