The World Health Organisation is calling for sustained investment and stronger global cooperation to prepare the world for future pandemics.
Speaking at the second UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response in New York, WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the COVID-19 pandemic exposed major weaknesses in global health security.
He said countries must strengthen health systems, build national and local response capacity, and ensure equitable access to vaccines, medicines and diagnostics.
The WHO noted progress through the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, amendments to the International Health Regulations and new infrastructure for epidemic surveillance and vaccine production.
However, negotiations are still ongoing on an annex covering pathogen access and benefit-sharing, which the WHO says must be adopted by May 2027 for countries to begin considering ratification of the agreement.
UN leaders also stressed stronger international cooperation, sustainable financing and a One Health approach to tackling future health threats.
