New Delhi, Jan 23: SII Chief Highlights WHO’s Critical Role Amid U.S. Withdrawal
In light of the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), Serum Institute of India (SII) Chief Adar Poonawalla emphasized the indispensable role of the UN health agency in global health. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Poonawalla highlighted WHO’s crucial contributions to upholding global standards for medicines and vaccines, and its significant roles in testing, research, and surveillance.
The U.S., under the Trump administration, had recently cut funding to the WHO, criticizing the agency’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the financial burdens placed on the U.S. This move creates a significant funding gap, as the U.S. was the largest WHO donor, contributing $1.28 billion over two years.
Poonawalla urged global leaders to bridge this gap, asserting that contributions from other countries can help sustain WHO’s vital work. He noted that $500 million is manageable for nations to support.
On tackling malaria, Poonawalla emphasized SII’s efforts to combat the disease, particularly in Africa, by offering vaccines to save lives. He advocated for partnerships between governments and private entities to develop cost-effective solutions for various diseases, aiming to ensure vaccine access for all in need.
SII has been actively shipping the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to African countries, which has demonstrated a 77% efficacy. Despite efforts, malaria remains a critical global health challenge, with WHO data indicating 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths in 2023 alone.
Poonawalla’s call for global collaboration comes at a pivotal time, underlining the need for collective action to address pressing health challenges and sustain WHO’s essential initiatives on a global scale.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/01/23/wef-2025-whos-role-essential-for-maintaining-global-health-systems-says-adar-poonawalla/
Category : NATIONAL,News Alert
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Publish Date: 2025-01-23 15:00:00
