“At the same time that the world works to get through this pandemic, we also know that we must prepare for the next,” Vice President Kamala Harris said in a virtual address to the United Nations on Monday (April 26).
In her remarks, first obtained by The Associated Press, Harris urged global leaders to start thinking about their response to whatever the next pandemic will be.
“We have been reminded that the status quo is not nearly good enough, and that innovation is indeed the path forward,” Harris said.
As the Biden administration sets to mark its first 100 days in office, additional focus has been put on global vaccination outreach, and continued health equity.
In her address, Harris laid out a broad idea of where the US and other countries can focus their efforts to prepare, including increasing access to adequate healthcare, making investments in science research, personal protective equipment, women’s health, and vaccine and testing manufacturing.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield is set to speak later on Monday (April 26) and will reportedly echo Harris’ sentiments.
“The takeaway from this past year is clear: The world barely withstood this pandemic. We must be ready for the next,” an expert from Thomas-Greenfield’s remarks said.
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