World leaders gathered at the United Nations to renew their commitment to pandemic preparedness at the weekend. This came five years after Covid-19 exposed deep weaknesses in health systems, surveillance and global co-operation. The high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response took place at UN headquarters in New York. Countries were expected to reaffirm political commitments to strengthening the…
Tag: Pandemic Preparedness
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Brics Health Cooperation Advances UHC Ambitions
Brics member states have committed to deeper healthcare collaboration after adopting the 16th Brics Health Ministers’ Declaration. The agreement builds on an earlier pledge to work collectively towards universal health coverage, or UHC. More than 70 representatives and partner organisations endorsed the declaration during a recent Brics health ministers’ meeting in Chandigarh, India. Delegates identified nine priority areas for cooperation.…
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US WHO Withdrawal Official, Organisation Plans Deep Cuts
The US WHO Withdrawal became effective in late January 2026, ending Washington’s formal membership in the World Health Organisation after a one-year notice period triggered by an executive order signed on Inauguration Day of Donald Trump’s second term. The administration argues the US pays more than peer nations and has criticised the WHO’s Covid-19 response and governance. The WHO disputes…
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Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention: South Africa’s New Shield
As climate change accelerates the spread of pathogens worldwide, South Africa is positioning itself as a frontline defender of global health security. The nation is significantly enhancing its world-class bio-surveillance capabilities. Central to this strategy is the establishment of a new, high-tech institute: the Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention (IP3) initiative. This collaborative powerhouse is partially funded by the Department of…
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Global Health must remain a pillar of G7 and G20 agendas
Germany’s Health Minister, Nina Warken, has made an impassioned plea for global health to remain a central pillar of the G7 and G20 agendas, as concerns grow that the United States intends to strip back the G20’s focus to its original financial mandate when it assumes the presidency next year. Speaking to an international audience at the World Health Summit…
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Global Pandemic Treaty: A New Era of Cooperation
In April, World Health Organisation (WHO) member states concluded the negotiations for a new pandemic treaty, often referred to as the Global Pandemic Treaty. These demonstrate a crucial capacity for nations to unite despite escalating geopolitical tensions. Precious Matsoso, co-chair of the negotiating body, delivered this key message at the annual Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) conference in Cape Town.…