United States (U.S.) President Joe Biden has pledged $500 million to African countries to help prevent and respond to mpox, and will donate one million doses of vaccine.
Biden said this in his farewell address to world leaders at the general debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
He called on U.S. partners to do same by donating to prevent the spread of mpox in Africa.
“Now we call on our partners to match our pledge and make this a billion-dollar commitment to the people of Africa,” he said.
Reflecting on achievements in office, Biden said he had seen “a remarkable sweep of history” since he was first elected to office during the Cold War, noting the U.S. was still embroiled in the Vietnam War at that time.
“Our country was divided and angry, and there were questions about our staying power and our future,” he said.
Biden, however, said that the U.S., Vietnam relationship is an example of diplomatic success, citing the remarkable step the country took in 2023.
“The U. S. and Vietnam officially elevated their diplomatic and trade ties in 2023, This is part of a long list of other global issues that have changed for the better, “he said.
The U.S. leader said the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan were top global challenges, noting that the world must not let up on its support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
He said the world must continue to work to end the war in Gaza, and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
Biden urged UN members to act to end the conflict in Sudan and address the humanitarian crisis there.
”The world needs to stop arming the Generals. To speak with one voice and tell them, ‘Stop tearing your country apart. Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people. End this war now,’” Biden said.
The U.S, leader, however, pleaded with the leaders to listen and serve their people, explaining that preserving democracy had been the central cause of his presidency.
“The future will be won by those who unleash the full potential of their people to breathe free, to think freely, to innovate, to educate, to live and love openly, without fear,’’
“With nearly 500 people killed in Lebanon on Monday alone from Israeli strikes, the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the threat of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, Biden said that “full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest.”
“A diplomatic solution is still possible,” he said.
“In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents of both countries to return to their homes on the border safely. That’s what we’re working tirelessly to achieve.”
