The world remains ill-prepared for future pandemics, according to global experts who warn, in a report released on Monday in Geneva, that the threat is “increasing,” even as international tensions rise.
Progress has been made, however it is precarious, said the co-chair of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB), former Croatian president, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović.
She added there was a lack of robust elements to ensure long-term pandemic preparedness and urged countries to overcome their “divisions.”
Current political tensions, difficult negotiations, mistrust between states and internal differences within countries slow potential solutions. All parties, including civil society, need to be involved, states the GPMB, which is an independent monitoring and accountability body aimed at ensuring preparedness for global health crises.
Much effort is being made to enhance preparation, but it will fail without adequate resources and support, the GPMB warned.
The question of independent monitoring mechanisms must form part of governance in a future pandemic treaty, the independent experts assert.
Another requirement is establishing guaranteed funding for pandemic preparedness and response in all countries. The global Pandemic Fund launched late last year is a step in the right direction. However, it needs the $10 billion in commitments targeted at the time of its launch, the experts insist.
Regarding research and supply, only a few countries possess adequate capabilities, even though more have developed them. This situation needs to change to prevent the inequities seen with vaccines at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the experts stress.
