29
Jan

Despite years of planning and investment since the 2005 International Health Regulations were published by WHO, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed how remarkably unprepared the world was to control the spread and recover from the effects of SARS-CoV-2.  Among several analyses of what went wrong with the response, in May 2021, The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness & Response issued a comprehensive main report of its findings and recommendations for action to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure that any future infectious disease outbreak does not become another catastrophic pandemic.

This PMAC-2022 parallel session will address some elements central to stopping the next outbreak before it becomes a pandemic.  Panelists will be asked to identify enabling factors and likely barriers; and to address specific action steps to achieve the goal of preventing another pandemic.

Key themes are:

1. Investing in preparedness and coordination now to prevent or mitigate the next crisis

2. The future of broadly-acting antiviral agents and universal vaccines for coronaviruses, influenza and other high-consequence infectious agents

3. Building global manufacturing capacity for rapid antiviral and vaccine production, including mRNA-based vaccines, towards full global access

4. Establishing a pre-negotiated global platform for access to vaccines, tools and supplies