How to Prevent the Next Pandemic:
We consulted with global experts across borders and sectors to determine what a new global public health security convention would need to best prevent, prepare for and respond to infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics. A strong, effective treaty needs to:
Focus on Prevention
A strong surveillance system would identify issues before they become emergencies.
Require Transparency
Governments must immediately and openly disclose outbreaks, share timely data, and allow independent monitoring of preparedness and response.
Advance a Whole Government Approach
Heads of state should negotiate and approve the treaty, and assume responsibility for compliance, while ensuring that whole governments are prepared to adhere to the treaty since pandemics affect every aspect of society: health of populations, economies and job markets, education, trade, international relations, and more.
Guarantee Authority & Coordination
There is a need for an international body, such as the global health threats council or board that has the authority to coordinate a global response based on the guidelines established by the World Health Organization.
Ensure Compliance
There must also be a body tasked with monitoring and inspecting countries for compliance to agreed-upon preparedness and response responsibilities, including offering valuable incentives to entice countries to comply — and disincentives for when they don’t. The body tasked with compliance would need to link to international financing organizations.
Include Funding
Low- and middle-income countries need financing for preparedness and response. Global agencies involved in pandemic prevention must have enough committed funds to enable them to be independent, effective, and responsive to outbreaks with pandemic potential. An existing body may be able to administer and disperse funds to help low and middle-income countries comply, or new methods or systems could be enabled within existing institutions.
Read more in the PGPHC Manifesto to learn what it will take to prevent another global public health catastrophe.