The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is urging African leaders to take a strong stance on global health equity as the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Agreement negotiations approach on November 4-15, 2024. The foundation emphasizes that Africa’s future in global health security depends on demanding an equitable agreement that works for all nations, particularly those in the Global South.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities, with 85% of African countries unable to vaccinate their populations while wealthier nations hoarded vaccines. Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director, notes that Africans cannot rely on handouts during crises, citing the insufficient access to vaccines during the Mpox outbreak.
Key Demands for Equitable Global Health:
- Equity at the Core: Ensure fair and timely access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments through regional manufacturing hubs and binding commitments on technology transfer.
- Regional Production: Enable African nations to produce vaccines and critical health commodities independently, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
- Sustainable Financing: Secure long-term, binding financial commitments from high-income countries to support pandemic preparedness and health infrastructure.
- Meaningful Participation: Include civil society and non-state actors in decision-making processes to enhance legitimacy and accountability.
The AHF stresses that African leaders must seize this opportunity to shape the continent’s future in global health security. By standing firm on these issues, African nations can secure a fairer and more resilient future ¹.
