The UN General Assembly has adopted, by consensus, a resolution that calls for “equitable, efficient and timely” access to any medicines, vaccines and medical equipment that is developed to fight coronavirus, APP reports.

Under the terms of the Mexico-drafted resolution, which was adopted on Monday night, the 193-member Assembly recognised the importance of international cooperation and effective multilateralism to ensure that all states have in place effective national protective measures, access to and flow of vital medical supplies, medicines and vaccines, in order to minimise the negative effects in all affected states and to avoid relapses of the pandemic.

The resolution also highlighted the “crucial leading role” played by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has faced criticism from the United States about its handling of the pandemic.