ECOSOC chief calls for ensuring equitable access to coronavirus vaccines.

The coronavirus pandemic has underscored the importance of upgrading health systems, especially in developing countries, to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, the head of UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Ambassador Munir Akram of Pakistan, has said.

"Our response towards all epidemics especially the one that engulfs us today should be of solidarity and international cooperation," he said in a message marking the first-ever International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, being observed on Sunday.

The day was called for by the UN General Assembly to advocate the importance of the prevention of, preparedness for and partnership against epidemics.

"The first and immediate task is to ensure that the vaccine against the Covid virus is distributed early and equitably to everyone," Ambassador Akram said.

In this regard, he called for fully funding the $20 billion-short Covax facility, which is aimed at ensuring all countries will have equal access...