Bold actions fromA4

implement bold actions that take stock of the experience of countries in responding to COVID-19,” Barbosa said

Speaking on Wednesday at a session on strengthening the global architecture for health emergency preparedness during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Barbosa highlighted that while preventing a pandemic may be extremely difficult, “ we must break the historic pattern of panic and neglect regarding pandemic threats ”

He said this will require a proper analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic response involving all sectors, the international community and beneficiaries to review “the challenges we faced, the failures and the strengths we showed, and identify the actions that we need to implement immediately and in the short- and long term ”

According to Russian figures, commercial exchanges between the two countries reached $450 million in 2022, with 90 per cent of that in sales of oil and soybean oil to the island nation

The strengthening of ties is paying off for Russia in geopolitical ways

Havana had maintained a position of neutrality over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, abstaining from United Nations votes on the issue

But this week, Diaz-Canel assured Chernyshenko of “Cuba’s unconditional support” in its “clash with the West” and on Wednesday, Havana voted against a World Health Organization resolution condemning Russian attacks on Ukrainian health systems

The PAHO director underscored that many countries, including those in the Americas and the Caribbean, faced challenges in responding to the pandemic, particularly regarding surveillance and access to diagnostics, medicines, vaccines and qualified health personnel

Barbosa said, that PAHO member states fully engage in the discussions led by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the development of an international instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, as well as those regarding the update of the International Health Regulations

PAHO said it continues to work with member states to share information about these negotiation processes and facilitate dialogue to ensure equitable participation of the region, including small island developing states (SIDS)

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS