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Referring to the promotion of the European Union's actions to support low- and middle-income countries in global health, Dr Giannakis said that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted certain limitations in the global public health architecture that need to be addressed, and that it is becoming more evident every day that the current and future pandemics can only be addressed through collective action.
Dr Giannakis added that the recent variations of COVID have demonstrated the value of vaccination on a global scale, while Cyprus shares the view that the methodology on the international response for the delivery of vaccines and other medical supplies needs to be re-evaluated, as it is important to ensure universal, equitable and affordable access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.
Cyprus, he said, has already donated a total of 195,300 doses of vaccine to Vietnam, Indonesia and Egypt through the COVAX mechanism, as well as through bilateral contacts.
Cyprus, he added, is of the view that a common, adequate, equitable multilateral approach is needed on this issue that produces results and serves both the European Union and the interests and values of other partners. In this context, the European Union should pursue this approach while remaining flexible and faithful to its principles. He said that in close cooperation with the UN, the WHO and other institutions, the European Union and the Member States should strengthen alliances with third countries in order to pursue the above policy.
Dr Giannakis said that the European Union, through its systematic engagement in the multilateral funds, is emerging as a leader in global health, promoting and protecting key global principles such as solidarity, equity, multilateralism, cooperation and justice.
She added that enhanced multilateralism and international solidarity are key elements in overcoming current and future public health crises. He stressed the need to reassess the methodology for the international response, adding that the European Union should also play a central role in this direction, which would strengthen the leading role of the European Union.
The Joint Ministerial Conference was also attended by the Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for "Promoting our European Way of Life", Margaritis Schinas, the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakidou, Member of the European Parliament Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Kluge.
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