Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 23 April 2021

THE SECRETARY GENERAL

MESSAGE ON WORLD MALARIA DAY

25 April 2021

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the multiple crises it has caused, a growing number of countries are approaching and achieving malaria elimination.  Today, on World Malaria Day, we commend all countries that have reached the ambitious target of zero malaria.  Together, they are showing the world that a malaria-free future is possible.

In countries with zero malaria, all people at risk of the disease – regardless of their citizenship or ability to pay – have been reached with the services they need to prevent, detect and treat the disease.  Sustained funding, strong surveillance systems and community engagement have also been key to success.

Yet, while we celebrate these achievements, let us not forget the millions of people around the world who continue to suffer and die from this deadly illness.  Each year, malaria claims the lives of more than 400,000 people, mainly young children in Africa.  And, every year, there are more than 200 million new cases of this deadly parasitic disease.

Malaria can be defeated.  With robust political commitment, adequate investment and the right mix of strategies, we can reach our common goal of a world free of malaria.

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THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

VIDEO MESSAGE MARKING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MULTILATERALISM AND DIPLOMACY FOR PEACE

24 April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is a tragic reminder of how deeply connected we are.

There is a clear and urgent need for concrete multilateral solutions, based on common action across borders for the good of all humanity, starting with the equitable distribution of vaccines as a global public good.

This need goes far beyond the pandemic. It applies to all the transnational threats we face: the climate crisis; air and water pollution; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; the development of new technologies in the absence of agreed principles and norms.

We need a more networked multilateralism, with stronger coordination between regional and international organizations, international financial institutions and public/private alliances.

We need an inclusive multilateralism, that draws on civil society, business, local and regional authorities and others, and shares power more broadly and fairly.

And we need strong multilateral action now, to emerge from the pandemic safely, to address the climate crisis, and to build stronger, safer communities and societies.

Today, as we mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, let’s renew our commitment to global multilateral solutions that deliver for people and planet.

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UNICEF

PRESS RELEASE

UNICEF leads global vaccination drive during World Immunization Week

Global partners pledge a $1 donation for every like, share or comment on social media posts mentioning ‘UNICEF’ using the hashtag #VaccinesWork until the end of April

NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD, 23 April 2021 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the 7 Fund for UNICEF, David Beckham, is fronting a global initiative to inspire confidence in vaccines and encourage parents around the world to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases.

In a powerful video released ahead of World Immunization Week, Beckham talks about the loss of everyday activities due to COVID-19, such as hugs with family, spending time with friends, and being with the people we love, and encourages parents to vaccinate themselves so that they can be safe. He also urges families to ensure that their children are receiving routine vaccinations to protect them against diseases such as diphtheria, measles and polio.

“In the last year, COVID-19 has shown us how much we take for granted but it has also reminded us about the power of vaccines,” said Beckham. “Vaccines work, saving millions of lives every year. I have learned through my work with UNICEF just how important they are for the health of our loved ones. Yet too many children around the world don’t get the routine vaccines they need to be safe from deadly diseases. That’s why this World Immunization Week, I’m so proud to be joining UNICEF and partners to encourage parents to vaccinate themselves and their children.”

In Pakistan, World Immunization Week is being celebrated under the leadership of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MNSR&C).

As a development partner, UNICEF is providing technical support to the Government to help every child have access to vaccines, including those living in hard-to-reach and marginalized communities, and improve health outcomes for all children.

Referring to the current global situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said, “After a year of lockdowns, empty classrooms, missed vaccinations, virtual birthday parties, and cancelled family dinners, people all over the world are now getting a COVID-19 vaccine or anxiously awaiting the moment when they will. And it’s an important reminder of the critical role other vaccines play in allowing us to live our everyday lives. Whereas today we all know COVID-19 vaccines are the best hope we have of resuming our normal lives, what remains ‘normal’ for far too many children all over the world is no access to vaccines for any preventable diseases whatsoever. This is not a ‘normal’ to which we should return.”

Every year, 14 million infants and children globally do not receive any vaccines against preventable diseases, with many living in remote rural locations, conflict zones or slum settings and without access to other essential health services. In the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made this situation even more dire, as pandemic-related lockdowns and supply disruptions threaten a devastating rise in preventable child deaths.

“Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools to help children survive and thrive. No child should miss on routine immunization shots and polio drops, even as we face the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Aida Girma, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “UNICEF and partners will continue to support the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to ensure that all children are immunized and healthy.”

World Immunization Week – celebrated every year in the last week of April – aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Using the theme ‘Vaccines bring us closer’, World Immunization Week 2021 will urge greater engagement around immunization globally to promote the importance of vaccination in bringing people together, and improving the health and wellbeing of everyone, everywhere, throughout life.

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For further information, please contact:

Helen Wylie, UNICEF New York, Tel: +1 917 244 2215, hwylie@unicef.org

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children visit www.unicef.org

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About the United Nations Foundation

The UN Foundation is an independent charitable organization created to be a strategic partner for the United Nations to address humanity’s greatest challenges, build initiatives across sectors to solve problems at scale, and drive global progress. Learn more at https://unfoundation.org/

About Shot@Life

Shot@Life is a grassroots advocacy campaign of the United Nations Foundation that champions global childhood immunization as one of the most effective ways to save the lives of children around the world. We rally members of the public, members of Congress, businesses, and civil society partners — through public education and grassroots advocacy — to support and invest in global childhood immunization programs. Learn more at www.ShotAtLife.org