Financing pandemic prevention, preparedness and response: lessons learned and perspectives for future

Area of Science:

• Global Health Security
• Health Systems Financing
• Pandemic Preparedness

Background:

• Global health security and universal health coverage are unattainable without robustly funded African health systems resilient to public health emergencies.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted inequities in accessing medical countermeasures, disproportionately affecting African nations.
• Enhanced investment in health systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR) is critical for future pandemic mitigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze African and global initiatives for financing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR).
• To identify policy recommendations for improving PPPR financing, ensuring equity and access to medical countermeasures.

Main Methods:

• Rapid literature review and desk review of PPPR financing mechanisms in Africa and globally.
• Consultations with leaders and experts in the field.
• Scrutiny of relevant meeting reports and decisions.

Main Results:

• The African Union (AU) has implemented innovative financing mechanisms like the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) and Africa Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) for equitable access to COVID-19 countermeasures.
• The AU also established the African Epidemics Fund (AEF) for sustainable PPPR efforts.
• Global initiatives like the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF) and the Pandemic Fund have faced criticism for inadequate focus on prevention, preparedness, or inclusive governance.

Conclusions:

• Harmonization of PPPR financing efforts is essential.
• Regional financing mechanisms should be central to global PPPR strategies.
• Inclusive international finance governance systems are necessary for effective and equitable pandemic preparedness.