On 22 September, alongside the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, WHO hosted the event "Building a Common Safer Future: Timely and Equitable Access to Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) Against Pandemic Threats" in New York City. The event was attended by a total of 215 participants, comprising 107 in person and 108 via live stream. The attendees included 21 ministers, representatives from 40 Member States, civil societies, global health partners, and private sector. Furthermore, 11 institutions such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), GAVI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the Medical Technology Platform (MTP), the Global Fund, the World Bank, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and Unitaid were also represented.
The aim of the event was to harness collective wisdom to collaboratively shape a more secure future. Ministers, civil society representatives, and other officials actively exchanged viewpoints on tangible actions to ensure future access to medical countermeasures. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the interim mechanism being developed by WHO to foster convergence, inclusiveness, and coherence in a complex MCM landscape.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, opened the event by reflecting on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recalling the shortcomings in achieving equitable access, he urged for "collective solutions, enhanced coordination, continued dialogue, and better systems for the development and access to MCMs to all." He emphasized the importance of commitment to equity and solidarity, reminding the group that "no one is safe until everyone is safe."
Dr Ebere Okereke, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Public Health Foundation, facilitated a panel comprising Mr Keizo Takemi, Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare, Japan; Ms Nísia Trindade Lima, Minister of Health, Brazil; the Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Antigua and Barbuda; Dr Joe Phaahla, Minister of Health, South Africa; Ms Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development and Minister of Nordic Cooperation, Norway; and Mr Onesmus Kalama Mlewa, Acting Executive Director, Eastern Africa National Networks of AIDS and Health Services Organization (EANNASO).
- The panel shared their first-hand experience of the hardships faced during the pandemic due to the lack of access to life-saving medical countermeasures. Combined with numerous interventions from participants, this converted into clear ideas of the essential characteristics for a future medical countermeasure system.
- Driven by global health equity and solidarity.
- Sufficiently resourced for preparedness, capacity building, and to guarantee equitable distribution of MCMs, ensuring no one is left behind.
- Encompassing regional entities, civil society, and women at all decision-making tiers inclusively from the outset, aiding in more effectively readying communities.
- A tangible solution that puts into action the commitments of Member States, the G20, the G7, and other groups to equitable access to medical countermeasures.
Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, closed the meeting and stressed the importance of diverse interventions and listening to each other's views for effective solutions. In essence, the meeting emphasized the need for a coordinated global response for future health threats, the importance of equity and inclusiveness in preparing for and dealing with pandemics, and the critical role of regional and international cooperation.
