Tuvalu's prime minister has called for political differences to be put aside to eliminate Covid-19.
The prime minister of Tuvalu, Kausea Natano. Photo: Supplied / Government of Tuvalu
Kausea Natano, who is also the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, spoke at the annual World Health Assembly overnight.
Mr Natano pointed to Pacific countries working together and opening a shared resources pathway to keep the virus out of the region.
"The Covid-19 pandemic is both a global health emergency and a human crisis that impacts our livelihoods and deepens mistrust around the world.
"During this pandemic, we are learning that the virus does not respect national borders. We are all vulnerable, and that shared vulnerability reveals our common humanity."
Kausea Natano also called for Taiwan to be included in the World Health Organisation, a move supported by the US, Australia and New Zealand that has angered China.
Tuvalu recognises Taipei over Beijing.