Park Neung-hoo: "COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Should Be Supplied at Reasonable Prices Led by WHO"

Keynote Speech at the 73rd WHO Assembly

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 18th (local time), Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare, emphasized at the World Health Organization (WHO) General Assembly that if COVID-19 vaccines and treatments are developed, they should be supplied to the international community at reasonable prices.

In his keynote speech at the 73rd WHO General Assembly, Minister Park said, "I propose that each country actively participate in the development and distribution of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines."

He stated, "The achievements in COVID-19 vaccine and treatment development under WHO leadership should lead to universal access," and urged, "We must unite our policy will to ensure that everyone can obtain sufficient quantities of vaccines and treatments at reasonable prices."

Minister Park raised his voice that in order to restore daily life and the economy in the changed environment after COVID-19, multifaceted and innovative efforts by each country as well as international cooperation are necessary. To this end, he requested three things: ▲ guaranteeing the movement of scientists, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs ▲ timely, free, and transparent sharing of COVID-19 related information ▲ active participation in the development and distribution of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

With 'K-quarantine' being recognized as a model case for COVID-19, he also promised to share Korea's related experiences and knowledge. Minister Park said, "Korea has transparently shared various response measures, characteristics and analyses of confirmed cases with the international community," and added, "We will continue to actively share through various channels."

Minister Park said, "We have confirmed the global concerns about living in the changed environment after COVID-19," and added, "Korea's attempts to restore daily life and the economy and the resulting policy outcomes will serve as good reference cases."

Meanwhile, this General Assembly began with keynote speeches from six heads of state, including President Moon Jae-in. President Moon emphasized, "We can win the war against COVID-19 through solidarity and cooperation based on the spirit of freedom." He also proposed ▲ humanitarian aid to health-vulnerable countries ▲ cooperation for vaccine and treatment development and equitable distribution ▲ and revision of the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.