PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – Statement on access to COVID-19 vaccines [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 March 2023.
During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UK delivered a statement on the report on access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Thank you Mr. President.
The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for his report.
As the last few years have shown, access to essential medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, is a crucial part of an effective global pandemic response. The UK remains committed to improving access to safe and effective vaccines through multilateral coordination and cooperation.
As we look towards the integration of COVID-19 vaccinations into routine immunisation plans, it is vital we support countries to strengthen their capacity to deliver across national health systems. To do this sustainably, we must focus on strengthening these systems through country-led and country-coordinated approaches. This is critical to building national, regional and global resilience to future health threats, and to ultimately achieving universal health coverage.
Building regional manufacturing capacity is also an important part of bolstering resilience and driving access. We strongly support the ongoing efforts to enhance global vaccine manufacturing capacity and to diversify supply chains.
Madam Director, what steps do you consider necessary for States to take to ensure greater regional resilience?
Thank you.
