Pandemic preparedness agreement at risk: call for global leaders to seize crucial opportunity

In response to reports that a global pandemic preparedness agreement is at risk of falling apart, Jonathan Cushing, Programme Director of Transparency International Global Health, said:

“It’s imperative that our national and global leaders do not miss this crucial opportunity to integrate the valuable lessons learned, especially those concerning transparency and accountability, into preventing, and preparing for future pandemics.

“This moment calls for a concerted effort from World Health Organisation member states to acknowledge and address the devastating impact of corruption on health systems and the consequences for millions of the most vulnerable around the world.

“It is time to make a steadfast commitment towards embedding transparency and accountability measures within both the global pandemic agreement and national health systems to bolster their resilience, fairness, and trustworthiness.”