AHF tells Africa to demand equity at WHO’s pandemic talks 

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has urged African leaders to seize the opportunity of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement negotiations to be held between November 4 and15 to shape Africa’s future in global health security by demanding an equitable agreement that works for all nations, particularly those in the Global South.
  

“For a pandemic agreement to truly serve Africa’s needs, leaders across the continent must demand equity at its core, including ensuring fair and timely access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments through the establishment of regional manufacturing hubs and binding commitments on technology transfer across Africa,” the AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, said. 
  
According to him, the pandemic has shown us that the health of one nation affects the health of all and Africans cannot wait for handouts in times of crisis, as was the case with COVID-19 and what is currently happening with insufficient access to vaccines in response to the mpox outbreak. 
  
The Foundation underscored the need for African nations to secure the knowledge and resources necessary to produce vaccines and other critical health commodities independently, reducing reliance on external suppliers and empowering the continent to respond to future pandemics with greater resilience.
  
It also noted that sustainable financing was another vital component that African leaders must push for to support pandemic preparedness and health infrastructure.
  
“Africa’s leaders have an essential opportunity to influence the final terms of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. By standing firm on these issues, equity, regional production, technology transfer, and sustainable financing, African nations can secure a fairer and more resilient future for the continent. The time to act is now,” it added.