Moldovan foreign affairs minister at UN says Moldova strengthening capacity to respond to health threats

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi has participated in the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, held in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. In his speech, Moldova’s chief diplomat underscored the importance of strengthening global health security through solidarity, international cooperation and coordinated action. The official noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has showed how quickly public health threats can spread and that they do not respect borders.

“The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how quickly public health threats can spread and how little borders matter when we face such risks. Preparedness for such situations cannot be viewed solely as a national responsibility. It is a shared responsibility, that requires solidarity, international cooperation and coordinated action,” Mihai Popsoi said.

In the context, the deputy PM presented the progress made by Moldova in preventing and managing public health emergencies. They include strengthening early warning systems, modernizing laboratories, expanding diagnostic capacities and improving coordination among state institutions.

“These investments have contributed to the timely detection, monitoring and management of health threats, as well as to the resilience of the national public health system. The lessons learned during the pandemic continue to guide  Moldova’s efforts to build a resilient, people-centered healthcare system,” Popsoi said.

The minister also emphasized the need to continuously develop national capacities, including through the training of specialists, strengthening the legislative and regulatory framework, improving logistical capabilities and establishing strategic stockpiles.

“Further developing intersectoral coordination, operational response capacity and risk communication stays a national priority. It is important for institutions to be able to act rapidly and in a coordinated manner, while specialists must have the training and resources necessary to respond to potential health crises,” the deputy prime minister noted.

Mihai Popsoi also highlighted the relevance of the “One Health” approach, which involves closer cooperation among the fields of human health, animal health and environmental protection in preventing and managing pandemic risks.

According to the official, information sharing and scientific cooperation are essential for the early identification of threats and the development of effective responses. At the same time, equitable access to vaccines, diagnostic methods, treatments and other medical countermeasures must remain an important component of global health security, particularly for vulnerable populations and countries.

“No country can ensure health security on its own. Public health threats do not stop at borders, and our response must be coordinated. Therefore, international cooperation, the exchange of information and expertise, as well as equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments are essential, so that all countries can face future crises,” Mihai Popsoi said.

Moldova’s chief diplomat noted the role of the World Health Organization, relevant structures of the UN system and bilateral partners in strengthening the resilience of the national health system.

“Through sustained investments, lasting partnerships and firm commitment, Moldova will stay a dedicated partner in global efforts to prevent pandemics, strengthen health security and build a safer, healthier and more resilient future for all,” Mihai Popsoi concluded.