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New technology initiatives are being developed by the UN to help developing countries battle Covid-19
In an efforts to strengthen the response of developing countries to Covid19 by helping them locally manufacture critical health equipment and technology, the United Nations Technology Bank launched the Tech Access Partnership (TAP) programme.
In collaboration with a range of the United Nations agencies, such as the World Health Office and the Conference on Trade and Development of the United Nations, TAP is to resolve the lack of supply of critical equipment, such as personal protective equipment for health workers at the front lines, ventilators and the test kits for coronavirus, the UNTB said in a statement.
“Without access to life-saving technologies, many developing countries are unprepared for the potentially devastating impact of Covid-19,” said Joshua Setipa, managing director of UNTB.
"We should help developing countries themselves to create such innovations on the road to recovery."
In order to exchange requirements, data and other information required for the local increase in output of these devices, the initiative would link foreign manufacturers with those in developing countries.
Companies will also provide technological assistance to assist producers in developed countries in addressing problem areas.
"The partnership will help countries to develop affordable quality and safety standards technology and equipment," UNTB says.
"TAP will start collaborating with manufacturers in different developing countries around the world as an initial pilot."
TAP comprises three core functions-product information , feedback and partnerships.
It will construct a Virtual Warehouse for requirements for production and design, technological knowledge and capacity building. It also educates the manufacturers about solving issues, including market dynamics and regulatory obstacles, as they try to increase production.
"The global community will now, more than ever, come together to save lives and ensure a sustainable future. The technology and digital divide are compounded by disparities, "said Amina J Mohammed, UN deputy-Secretary-General.
The UN's Covid-19 health, humanitarian and socio-economic response is crucial in improving access to appropriate technology through partnerships.
The UN demanded a package of $2.5 trillion in economic stimulus in March (Dh9.18) to relieve developing countries ' economic distress, where two-thirds of the global population face coronavirus problems.
The UNTB, launched in 2018, represents 47 nations, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Bangladesh , Nepal, Cambodia, Uganda and the Sudan.
Cambodian Minister of Science , Technology and Innovation, Cham Prasidh, added: "It is urgent to start filling the technology gaps to meet the health needs of our people."
In its battle against Covid-19, as in other developing countries, South-East Asia faces similar challenges-including the lack of advanced spare parts, the requisite technological skills, technology-driven experience and research and development funds, Prasidh said.
"We will save lives and improve our country's answers in relation to Covid-19 and prepare for future emergencies through greater exposure to these resources provided under TAP."
The deadly coronavirus has infected more than 4.2 million people worldwide and killed over 290,000 as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is monitoring the spread of the virus. There are now over 1,4 million recovered individuals.
