Thank you, Prime Minister Abe.
In April this year, Dr Richard Mouzoko, a WHO doctor fighting Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was shot and killed while working to save lives.
He left behind a wife and four young children. He was the family’s sole breadwinner.
Immediately after Richard’s death, I visited DRC to be with our staff. They were shaken, but undeterred. They told me, “We’re lifesavers. We will not be intimidated by violence. We will finish the job.”
I have traveled to DRC regularly since the outbreak started. On one visit, an Ebola responder was attacked while I was there and we had to evacuate him on the helicopter that had brought me in.
Unfortunately, these are not isolated examples.
Since January, WHO has documented 174 attacks on health care in DRC.
Insecurity, community mistrust, decades of political instability and a very weak health system have converged to create one of the most complex health emergencies any of us in public health have faced.
Three weeks ago, a family who were infected with Ebola in DRC crossed the border into Uganda.
But Uganda was ready.
The family was rapidly identified and received care. So far, there has been no transmission of Ebola inside Uganda.
This happened due to investment in preparedness in Uganda.
The simple lesson: investing in preparedness saves lives, and it saves money.
It’s only a question of when, not whether, the world suffers the next pandemic of influenza or another airborne virus, which is more difficult than Ebola.
We are not ready. We must invest now.
The best investment is in universal health coverage, so that all people have access to the health services they need, without facing financial hardship.
My brothers and sisters, I leave you with three requests.
First, support the fight against Ebola in DRC. We need political support, improved security, and the financial resources to finish the job.
Second, invest in preparedness now, before the next pandemic ravages the global economy.
Third, commit to universal health coverage, which is the best investment in a safer world, in equity and sustainable development.
At the UN General Assembly in New York this September, we will gather for the High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage.
Your participation and support are vital.
Health is a political choice. As G20 leaders, you have a unique opportunity to make that choice, for a better world.
Arigato gozaimasu. Thank you.