16/09/2020
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board releases report: “A World In Disorder”
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB), of which GloPID-R vice-chair Jeremy Farrar is a member, released its second report on September 14, 2020.
The report emphasizes that COVID-19 took advantage of a world in disorder: the pandemic was slowed where sufficient resources, cooperation and organization were applied, but thrived where there was disarray, division and poverty. The GPMB warns that we cannot afford to be unprepared again when the next pandemic hits.
It presents a path toward a “pandemic proof” future by sharing lessons the world must learn and key, urgent actions we all must take.
Five urgent actions are highlighted to strengthen the current response to COVID-19 and better prepare the world for future pandemics and health emergencies:
- responsible leadership
- engaged citizenship
- strong and agile systems for health security
- sustained investment
- robust global governance of preparedness
Indeed, where there are ‘strong and agile systems for global health security’, coordination and support for research and development in health emergencies will be improved. This involves researchers, research institutions, research funders, the private sector, governments, the WHO and international organizations. To achieve ‘robust global governance of preparedness’ for health emergencies, sustainable financing for research and development must be secured.