Covid-19 | G7| PM Modi G7 Summit: PM Modi calls for united approach to fight Covid19, future pandemics at outreach session
New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to the G7 States to take a united approach to fight the coronavirus pandemic and similar health emergencies in future with the mantra "One Earth, One Health" as India saw support for its proposal for a waiver of patent protection for Covid-19 vaccines.
Modi was speaking through a video link at an outreach session of the G7 summit in Cornwall, the theme for which was “Building back stronger - Health”.
In that perspective, the Prime Minister said that there was a need for coordinated global response to fight future health emergencies.
The session focused on global recovery from the pandemic and strengthening resistance against future pandemics.
Modi stressed on global unity, solidarity and leadership in responses and pointed out that the democratic and transparent societies had special responsibility to prevent future pandemics.
He maintained that the G7 session should send out a message of "One Earth, One Health", which was also seconded by German chancellor Angela Merkel.
The Prime Minister said India is willing to share its experience and expertise with other developing nations it gathered in contact tracing and vaccine management by using open source digital tools.
He also spoke about the coordinated efforts of government, industry and civil society in combatting the pandemic.
While reiterating India's support in enhancing global health, Modi asked the G7 States to support India and South Africa's proposal for waiver of patent protection for Covid-19 vaccines and technologies at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who was also a special invitee to the outreach session, supported the proposal for patent waivers, reported Hindustan time citing people familiar with developments.
French president Emmanuel Macron also batted in favour of providing raw materials and components to ensure large scale production of coronavirus vaccine doses to countries like India.
Modi also appreciated the support lent by the G7 states to India while the country was grappling with the second wave of Covid-19.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other countries-- Australia, South Korea and South Africa--was invited to the outreach session of the G7 Summit by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Modi will speak on two more outreach sessions on Sunday through virtual mode.
