Portugal


World Health Organization


75th Session of the World Health Assembly
(22 - 28 May 2022)

 

16.3 WHO’s work in health emergencies

 

 

Chair,

Excellences,

 

I have the honour to address the 75th World Health Assembly on behalf of
Portugal. We align with the previous statement made by the European Union.
Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine, suffering from an humanitarian
and health emergency created by Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified
military aggression.

As the past 2 years have shown, health emergencies not only appear
unexpectedly but also force upon us major challenges. This pandemic, as few
health issues before, has dominated the global public health agenda and the
global economy. Its political implications can be seen everywhere, as well
as the impact in life and livelihood of the world population at most diverse
levels. The onset of effective vaccines has therefore been a game changer,
allowing the mitigation of economic, social and health consequences.

Portugal considers that universal access to quality and affordable medical
products is a fundamental element for the realization of Human Rights,
namely the right to health and of universal health coverage. We would like
to commend WHO’s initiative ACT Accelerator as a good practice and
underline our strong commitment to vaccine solidarity.

Portugal is doing its share. We worked with several countries in the
international effort to fight COVID-19, including through the donation of
vaccines and other necessary medical supplies. To date, we’ve delivered
more than 6,8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to lusophone and other
countries, 17 in total, in all continents. In some countries, we’re the biggest
donor of vaccines, guaranteeing deliver and transportation.

Considering only the African Portuguese Speaking Countries, Portugal’s
donations helped these countries to have a higher vaccinations coverage
against COVID-19 than its region average.

Chair,

The right to health transcends borders, and ought to be upheld in
emergencies, situations of instability and humanitarian crises.
Health emergencies widen inequalities and exacerbate social and economic
inequities. Vulnerable communities, including refugees and migrants, are
amongst the worst affected including by the impact on access to health
services and livelihoods.

Good health, access to quality health services and continuity of care through
all stages of migration, during and beyond health emergencies, is crucial for
safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Portugal has designed policies and enacted legislation making the promotion
of migrant and refugee’s health one of its priorities, guided by an inclusive,
non-discriminatory, holistic approach. Furthermore, Portugal is a proud
supporter the WHO’s Global Health and Migration Programme.

We are committed with the ambition of making health systems more resilient
believing in the power of cooperation and the inclusion of the most vulnerable.

Thank you.

  • Partilhe