A strong public healthcare infrastructure and the development of a multi-layered response driven by scientific and medical data lie at the core of every successful effort to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, says Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth,
He stated this at the World Innovation Summit for Health.
Speaking at the closing day of the fifth edition of Qatar Foundation’s WISH 2020 summit, Jugnauth said, “Considering our circumstances, our response has been heralded as one of the most efficient in the world as we managed to contain, in a matter of six weeks, the virus which reached our shores on the 18th of March.”
Mauritius’ success rested on a multi-layered response that featured the implementation of strict protocols with regard to sanitary measures at entry points and among others.
“As a centrepiece of our own recovery policy, my government is committed to injecting significant national resources which will total almost 30 per cent of the country’s GDP, to support and build the economic recovery of Mauritius,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic had also laid bare the inequalities that exist among nations, the prime minister emphasised, urging fair and equal access to safe, effective, and affordable COVID-19 vaccines.
“Such an access is key to change the course of the pandemic and help countries experiencing catastrophic economic and fiscal impacts, move toward a resilient recovery,” he said, calling for global leadership and a coordinated response to ensure that any approved vaccine is distributed equitably.
“We commend here the World Health Organisation for coordinating global efforts, in collaboration with GAVI, to develop a vaccine, through the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility,” he said.
