Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - His Excellency

To the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Your Excellency!

I have the honor to turn to you to thank you for submitting to the World Health Organization (WHO) the draft International Code on Voluntary Commitments of States during Pandemic Times, which was announced at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate communities and countries around the world. Faced with an extraordinary international crisis, I called for exceptional global leadership and solidarity, uniting the widest possible range of partners, taking multilateral action and ensuring that no one is left behind. In less than a year, we have seen what strong leadership can achieve through unprecedented advances in science, vaccine development, public health practice, community mobilization and political commitment.

The pandemic has exposed the fragility of our health systems, exacerbated health and social inequalities, and highlighted the centrality of health to economic development and security. As we gain control of the pandemic and invest in recovery, we must also prepare for the future. We cannot allow this to happen again.

Your Excellency, I thank you for your foresight and leadership in advancing the development of the draft International Code. We have carefully studied the document. I am impressed by the wide range of tasks and practical solutions proposed. Submission of the draft Code was on time.

We have learned a lot from the pandemic last year, and now we must look to the future. In line with World Health Assembly resolution WHA73.1 on the response to COVID-19, I convened the International Health Regulations Review Committee (2005) and established an Independent Pandemic Preparedness and Response Panel, which has begun its work. in September 2020.

In addition, discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of developing a global framework convention on pandemic preparedness and response to complement the International Health Regulations as part of a Member State process. This issue was discussed at the WHO Information Session for WHO Member States on 18 March 2021, which generated interest from many countries and served as a step towards further discussions.

It’s time to invest in a secure future for all, build resilient and resilient health systems, and prepare to respond to any future health shocks. Your Excellency, through your political leadership, you have a decisive role to play in this regard. The draft International Code you have shared has a lot to do with the already established pandemic review processes and the planning of any future international pandemic response. I hope you will continue to be personally involved in these efforts.

Thank you again, Your Excellency, for your commitment to preventing the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring a healthier and safer future for all. WHO stands with you in the face of this global public health emergency.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Best wishes and gratitude,

Dr. Tedros Adanom Ghebreyesus,

President of

World Health Organization