Darias: COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of strong public health systems to prevent future health emergencies

The Minister for Health, Carolina Darias, stressed in her first speech at the G20 Health meeting, which began in Rome (Italy), that these are three of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a common challenge for humanity, said Minister Darias, who stated that the impact of COVID-19 and its effects on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight the need to "continue moving forwards together", promoting the leadership of multilateral organisations.

Among Spain's strengths in dealing with SARS-CoV-2, the minister cited Universal Health Coverage, restored by the current government, which has made it possible to leave no one behind during the worst moments of the pandemic.

The minister also stressed that she has promoted the culture of care and trust to achieve one of the milestones set, reaching 70 per cent of the population fully vaccinated in record time, an effort that has made Spain the G20 country with the highest vaccination coverage; a national success, said the minister, who added that it is important to continue and help with vaccine donations, such as the 22 million doses committed to by the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, to reduce the gaps between the different countries in the north and south.

At the meeting of health ministers, Carolina Darias pointed out that, in order to meet SDG 3, it is essential to expand the capacities of our health systems, and added that in this line we are improving our epidemiological systems and strengthening our preventive capacities; as well as expanding the capacities of primary care, modernising the technology of health equipment, and addressing the consequences of this pandemic on the mental health of citizens.

In this regard, she explained to her counterparts that Spain is working on and implementing specific measures, such as a High Technology Renewal Plan for our National Health System, updating the Mental Health Strategy, and strengthening Public Health structures through the creation of a State Public Health Centre.

The minister called for the continuation of joint work and the exchange of experiences that improve people's lives. "Let us work together to meet current and future challenges. Let us learn from each other. Together we are strong", Darias concluded.

Non official translation