The UNGA Omnibus Resolution on a “Comprehensive and coordinated response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic” was approved following negotiations between government representatives.  The Resolution recognises the importance of addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in response to the pandemic and commits governments to involve people living with disabilities in policy and decision-making for national COVID-19 response and recovery plans. 

Governments are urged to adopt a whole of government and a whole of society response, maintain health systems, and strengthen primary healthcare. The Resolution also calls on governments to ensure uninterrupted and safe provision of population and individual level services for NCDs and mental health, and to strengthen efforts to address NCDs as a part of universal health coverage (UHC). 

The UNGA negotiations highlighted the need for financing for the COVID-19 response, UHC and primary health care as part of future pandemic preparedness. The Resolution reiterates the need to secure increased domestic financing in all countries and development assistance to low- and middle-income countries to achieve UHC. 

Held virtually for the first time in its history,  UNGA75 began on 15 September 2020 under the theme of ‘The Future We Want, the UN We Need: Reaffirming our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism’.