His Excellency Ambassador Colin Murdoch, the Permanent Observer of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, has commended the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Commonwealth Secretariat for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on health, including access to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, The Right (Rt.) Honourable (Hon.) Patricia Scotland QC, and the WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Through the MoU, both Parties commit to work together to strengthen the exchange of information on seven priority areas. promoting universal health coverage and primary healthcare, strengthening global health security, promoting healthy environments, promoting the health of vulnerable groups, transforming lifelong learning for health impact, building a data partnership and creating space for innovation and exchange of knowledge.
In his remarks, Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasised the value of partnerships in ensuring that all people can achieve the highest level of health possible. Meanwhile, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland stressed the need for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. She also expressed her vision for a safe, equitable and just world.
Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the OECS, Ambassador Murdoch congratulated the WHO and the Commonwealth Secretariat on this milestone.