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Yesterday truly marked a great day for health, a great day for scientific advancement and a great day for the cause of vaccines!
I am hugely encouraged by the announcement from Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and the esteemed World Health Organization – WHO, regarding the recommendation of a second vaccine, named R21/Matrix-M, aimed at preventing malaria in children at risk of contracting this debilitating disease.
Given the overwhelming demand for the RTS, S vaccine, the introduction of the R21 vaccine stands as a pivotal addition, enabling us to safeguard a larger number of children at a swifter pace. This, in conjunction with the deployment of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and various environmental interventions, signifies a substantial stride towards realising our vision to End Malaria and inching closer to a world free from the scourge of malaria.
During the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78), I also took the opportunity to wish the World Health Organization a productive 75th birthday, as we converged with Dr Tedros, Reckitt and WHO Climate & Health Special Envoy Dr Vanessa B Kerry at the Goals House, working together for The Road to COP28 under the committed leadership of the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 H.E. Sultan Al Jaber, towards the First-Ever Health Day: Advancing a Bold Vision For Action, Equity & Accountability.
I commend Dr Tedros on the historic UN declaration approved by World Leaders on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. The United Nations Member States have demonstrated that even at this time of division and polarisation, it’s still possible for countries to come together to agree on a shared response to shared threats.
My unwavering commitments to the WHO continue in my role as a Special Adviser to the World Health Organisation Africa Region (WHOAFRO) and in my efforts to champion the endeavours and impact of the WHO Foundation, where I serve as the Inaugural Global Health Ambassador. It is abundantly clear that we have no future but a shared future, and a better future for global health and wellbeing actions!
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