As we mark the second anniversary of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, which falls on 27 December of every year, we are reminded that the world has been fighting the COVID-19 pandemic for two years now with no end in sight. The pandemic has unleashed social and economic upheavals around the world. It has exposed deep socio-economic inequalities as well as vulnerabilities in our global health system. That is why the international community must continue to work together and strengthen epidemic and pandemic preparedness, including through the provision of Universal Health Coverage in our respective national health systems.

Inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatment remains the biggest obstacle to ending the pandemic. We now know that it is a major enabler for the virus to mutate and spread even further.

On our part, Thailand stands ready to support the efforts to increase universal access to COVID-19 vaccines, medicines, and medical supplies. We are willing to work with interested partners to scale up regional manufacturing capabilities as well as mobilize donations to areas of greatest needs.

Thailand remains committed to promoting “More Vaccine Sharing” for “More Lives Saved” and for “a Sustainable and Better Recovery” that will leave no one behind.