Geneva: The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) has called for urgent global measures to strengthen systems for preventing and responding to future pandemics. The Panel warned that the world remains insufficiently prepared for future health emergencies and emphasized that inaction on prevention and preparedness undermines global health security.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Helen Clark, Co-Chair of the Panel and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, stated ahead of the World Health Assembly that operational details of the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) Annex could not be finalized for adoption. The Panel, co-chaired by Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, and Ms. Clark, was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 to provide evidence-based recommendations on pandemic preparedness and response.
The PABS Annex is part of the WHO Pandemic Agreement and aims to facilitate the rapid sharing of pathogens and genetic sequence data, as well as equitable access to vaccines and diagnostics. Ms. Clark called on member states to intensify efforts to implement the amended International Health Regulations, which are already in force. She emphasized the need for countries to enhance their capacity to detect and report outbreaks with potential international impact and to update national preparedness plans based on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms. Clark also advocated for the adoption of a 'One Health' approach linking human, animal, and environmental health systems, supported by regular simulation exercises. She noted that the text of the Pandemic Agreement highlights coordination and stronger regional collaboration to build resilience, emphasizing that one country's health security is only as strong as that of its neighbor.
Regarding financing, Ms. Clark described pandemic preparedness and response as a global public good but noted that funding remains inadequate. She pointed out that many low and middle-income countries face fiscal constraints due to high debt burdens, reduced development assistance, and external pressures such as geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions. Ms. Clark stressed that new international finance is essential and would be an investment that could save millions of lives and protect trillions of dollars.
Ms. Clark urged global leaders to utilize the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to address gaps in coordination, financing, equity, and accountability. She emphasized that finalizing the PABS Annex is critical to advancing the Pandemic Agreement and strengthening global protection against future health emergencies. 'While leaders grapple with immediate challenges, they cannot afford to neglect foreseeable risks,' she said.