LUSAKA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The government of Zambia has called for joint efforts among Commonwealth member states to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, a government official said on Thursday.
Joseph Malanji, Minister of Foreign Affairs said the COVID-19 has left negative effects to health systems and economies hence the need for coordination in combating it.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the minister was speaking during a Commonwealth COVID-19 Virtual Leaders Meeting. The meeting convened under the theme "Sharing Solutions in Challenging Times".
He said the pandemic was adding to already unmanageable debt burdens and lack of critical financing in developing countries.
The Zambian minister emphasized the need for concerted efforts among member states to address inequality and ensure the gains made towards the eradication of poverty and zero hunger are not reversed.
"COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge for our nations, but it is one that comes with many opportunities to rebuild better opportunities to tackle persistent inequalities and design more inclusive societies," he said.
He further called on the Commonwealth to support calls for debt relief or cancellation for developing countries, enhanced collaboration in research for the vaccination and cure of COVID-19 and mobilization of resources from the local and international community. Enditem
