Drug makers propose swift pandemic response to benefit poorer countries
- A better response to disease outbreaks is needed soon, and vaccine distribution must be put on a new footing for low-income nations in case of a new pandemic
- Trade barriers were an issue during Covid-19 when India banned vaccine exports in 2021 and the US Defence Production Act slowed global delivery of equipment
Global drug makers are lobbying for wealthy nations to fund a supply mechanism that would secure vaccines for low-income countries without delay in case of a new pandemic, but said the proposal was contingent on free cross-border trade.
The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) said in a statement on Monday that global pandemic vaccine distribution needs to be put on a new footing because the world’s poorest countries have been forced to wait for shots during the current pandemic.
“The industry is willing to reserve an allocation of real-time production for distribution to priority populations in lower income countries, as determined by health authorities during pandemics,” said IFPMA director general Thomas Cueni.
The global debate on a better response to disease outbreaks is in full swing as health ministers will meet in Geneva this week for the World Health Organization’s assembly, with vaccine-sharing among the many agenda items.
Separately, the G20 group of nations has agreed to a multibillion-dollar fund for pandemic preparedness that will be set up outside the WHO.
Cueni added the procurement mechanism needed funding by higher-income countries and could only work if materials and finished products can be shipped without barriers within a globalised supply chain.
“We are committed to working with governments and all stakeholders to help ensure that preparedness systems are put in place and maintained into the future,” said Cueni.