In a video statement on Friday, the UN Secretary-General said the absence of such an effort has only worsened the deadly impact of Covid. He also urged nations to share excess doses of vaccines, reports UN News.

“Behind this staggering number are names and faces: the smile now only a memory, the seat forever empty at the dinner table, the room that echoes with the silence of a loved one," Guterres said.

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Solidarity, to save more souls

"In the memory of those two million souls, the world must act with far greater solidarity,” he said.

Since its discovery at the end of December 2019, Covid-19 has now spread to all corners of the world, with cases in 191 countries and regions. Deaths due to the disease reached the grim milestone of one million only in September.

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In addition, the socio-economic impact of the pandemic has been massive, with countless jobs and livelihoods lost globally, and millions pushed into poverty and hunger.

 A ‘vaccine vacuum’

Guterres went on to note that though safe and effective Covid vaccines are being rolled out, disparity continues between nations.

"Vaccines are reaching high income countries quickly, while the world’s poorest have none at all,” he said, adding that “some countries are pursuing side deals, even procuring beyond need".

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The UN chief went on to note that while governments have a responsibility to protect their populations, “‘vaccinationalism’ is self-defeating and will delay a global recovery".

“Covid cannot be beaten in one country at a time,” he stressed. Guterres called on countries to commit now to sharing any excess doses of vaccines, to help urgently vaccinate health workers around the world and prevent health systems from collapsing.

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He also reiterated the need to ensure full funding for the Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT Accelerator) and its COVAX facility, to make vaccines available and affordable to all.

Proven steps

At the same time, the UN chief said that people must remember and practice “simple and proven” steps to keep each other safe: wearing masks, avoiding crowds, and hand washing.

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"Our world can only get ahead of this virus one way – together. Global solidarity will save lives, protect people and help defeat this vicious virus”, added Guterres.