In an unusual opportunity to address the UN General Assembly in New York, Health (and Interior) Minister Moshe Arbel spoke on Wednesday of the need to formulate an international tool for pandemic preparedness and response.
Prior to his speech, he met with his Moroccan counterpart Prof. Khaled Ait Taleb to work on a joint statement for the two countries regarding the prevention, treatment, and dealing with epidemics.
“The COVID-19 pandemic shocked the world, disrupted economies, damaged the livelihood of many, undermined family ties, and created many challenges in the education system,” said Arbel.
“It also caused severe shocks to the health systems in many countries, led to loss of life as triggered long-term health problems that we are still studying.”
The international community has identified two essential key actions at this stage – the reform of international health regulations and the formulation of an international tool for preparedness and response to epidemics.
Israel and Morocco
“The State of Israel strongly supports these efforts, and is proud to be a partner in submitting the declaration together with the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI,” Arbel continued.
“I express my condolences to the people of Morocco following the devastating earthquake that occurred in the kingdom and wish the injured a speedy recovery on behalf of the State and the government of Israel. We will always be ready to help our friends and this time as well,” the minister said.