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Emerging from the lessons of Covid-19, the Pandemic Agreement marks a historic milestone in global health cooperation, laying the groundwork for a fairer, more coordinated response. Now, action is needed to turn this blueprint into lasting change The Pandemic Agreement is a major achievement
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Precious Matsoso and Roland Driece, former co-chairs, Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for a Pandemic Agreement
take into account the diversity of global and regional actions and the unique circumstances of countries. The collaboration and cooperation that cut across regions through the loose structures that were created were useful cushions against the predominance of some regions over others. These informal but effective ways of facilitating collaboration among countries were crucial for success and need to be upheld. The Pandemic Agreement reflects a growing momentum to address the gaps revealed by Covid-19 and those that continue to persist within and between countries. There is an urgent need to improve coordination, for instance in financing, supply chains and logistics, in the transition from today’s fragmentation towards a truly unified, equitable and effective global pandemic response architecture. We need an integrated global pandemic response framework
t is almost unbelievable to think that the Covid-19 pandemic ended only three years ago. It was a trigger for the landmark decision at the World Health Assembly to establish an intergovernmental process to negotiate a pandemic treaty. At record speed, World Health Organization member states agreed on the text in May 2025 – a strong response to the devastation brought by Covid-19. The Pandemic Agreement must become the catalyst for needed change and an important step to transform the global architecture. For a disaster that caused a broad economic downturn, increased poverty and hindered progress, this treaty is a necessary remedy – to take collective and coordinated actions through a multilateral system to advance a global health agenda that is responsive, inclusive and resilient, that will withstand shocks and disruptions, and
that will improve our collective prevention, preparedness and response capabilities. GAPS BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-INCOME COUNTRIES The polarising pandemic was associated with inequities and inequalities that exposed glaring gaps, undermining efforts for responding effectively to outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. An opportunity exists to address these shortcomings. The lack of coordination of various initiatives and the inability to harness them can be addressed by mechanisms proposed in the Pandemic Agreement. It outlines comprehensive measures that
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Health: A Political Choice – The Future of Health in a Fractured World
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