Foreign news
Bill Gates calls for COVID-19 meds to go to people who need them, not ‘highest bidder
Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates called for COVID-19 drugs and an eventual vaccine to be made available to countries and people that need them most, not to the “highest bidder,” saying relying on market forces would prolong the deadly pandemic.
“If we just let drugs and vaccines go to the highest bidder, instead of to the people and the places where they are most needed, we’ll have a longer, more unjust, deadlier pandemic,” Gates, founder of Microsoft, said in a video released on Saturday during a virtual COVID-19 conference organized by the International AIDS Society.
“We need leaders to make these hard decisions about distributing based on equity, not just on market-driven factors.”
With hundreds of vaccine projects under way and governments in Europe and the United States investing billions of dollars in research, trials and manufacturing, there is concern that richer nations could scoop up promising medicines against the new coronavirus, leaving developing countries empty-handed.
The European Commission and the World Health Organization have warned of an unhealthy competition in the scramble for a medicine seen as key to saving lives and resolving economic chaos sowed by virus, while some officials in Washington have indicated they would seek to prioritize U.S. residents.
Gates said efforts begun two decades ago to battle the global HIV/AIDS crisis, when countries came together to eventually make medicines available in most of the world including Africa, can serve as a model for making COVID-19 medicines widely accessible.
As examples he pointed to the 2002-created Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the U.S.-based President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief to get medicines to people to combat some of the world’s deadliest diseases as examples.
“One of the best lessons in the fight against HIV/AIDS is the importance of building this large, fair global distribution system to get the drugs out to everyone,” Gates said.
(Cover image: Microsoft founder Bill Gates attends the 10th World Health Summit 2018 event in Berlin, Germany, October 16, 2018. /Reuters)
Foreign news
Kashmir Solidarity Day: Pakistani Envoy To Nigeria Appeals for UN Intervention
Ibrahim Lawal
The High Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Nigeria, Mr Sohail Ahmad Khan has appealed to the United Nations and it’s relevant Human Rights machinery, Civil Society Organisations, Media Houses and other defenders of Human Rights to fulfill their obligations towards besieged Kashmiris by playing their part to end the rule of tyranny and oppression.
The envoy who frowned at the alleged convention of Jammu and Kashmir into a world’s most militarized zone and the largest prison on earth
In a statement of Solidarity issued on Wednesday in Abuja by High Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Abuja, Nigeria, H.E Mr Sohail Ahmad Khan expressed displeasure on the prolonged conflict in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where the struggle for self-determination has left an indelible mark on the lives of innocent Kashmiris.
According to the statement, February 5th Kashmir Solidarity Day serves as an annual reminder of the prolonged conflict in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where the struggle for self-determination has left an indelible mark on the lives of innocent Kashmiris.
“Multiple UN Resolutions unambiguously declare that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.
“Numerous international, UN organizations as well as UN Special Rapporteurs have reported gross human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Media and press is under tremendous pressure by Indian Government especially in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir which is evident from India’s ranking of 161 out of 180 countries as per 2023 World Press Freedom.
“Jammu and Kashmir has been converted into world’s most militarized zone and the largest prison on earth. Pakistan stands firm with Kashmiri brothers and sisters and will continue to provide unwavering diplomatic support.
“Pakistan demands that International community including United Nations and it’s relevant Human Rights Machinery, Civil Society Organizations, Media Houses and other defenders of Human Rights to fulfill their obligations towards besieged Kashmiris by playing their part to end the rule of tyranny and oppression.”
Meanwhile, Kashmir Solidarity Day marked with special prayers for the martyrs of Kashmir, mass rallies, peace walks and symposiums highlighting the plight of Kashmiris under Indian rule across the globe.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured3 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports2 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 month agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured5 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
