GLM TEAM 
In a push for equitable access to health resources, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Africa has called on South Africa and other Global South nations to unite in demanding binding commitments during the ongoing World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement negotiations. During a virtual press conference held as part of the global Save Our Society (SOS) campaign, leaders from the AHF and allied organisations emphasised the critical need for technology transfer and regional production mechanisms to ensure that developing nations are better prepared for future pandemics.
Speaking at the conference, AHF’s Director of Global Advocacy and Policy, Guillermina Alaniz, highlighted the importance of moving from rhetoric to action.
“It is not enough to talk about equity. We must take concrete steps to achieve it. A regional production mechanism for vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics is vital for ensuring that countries in the Global South are not left dependent on wealthier nations in times of crisis.”
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequities in the global health system. Despite promises of solidarity, countries in the Global South were often the last to receive vaccines. While wealthy nations secured doses for their populations early on, many low- and middle-income countries struggled to provide even the first dose, resulting in preventable deaths. An estimated 1.3 million lives were lost due to delayed vaccine access in the Global South, a stark reminder of the consequences of inequity.
The current WHO Pandemic Agreement, as it stands, exacerbates these inequalities by proposing that only 20% of pandemic-related health products—such as vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments—be allocated to 80% of the world’s population, disproportionately affecting developing nations. This imbalance underscores the urgent need for a reworked agreement that ensures fair and equitable access to life-saving resources in future pandemics.
South Africa, with its advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, is well-positioned to play a leading role in advocating for these measures. Yet, the Pandemic Agreement must include binding provisions that link Article 11 (technology transfer) and Article 12 (the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System) to require equitable technology sharing for production in the Global South.
Dr Samuel Kinyanjui, AHF Kenya’s Country Program Director, pointed out that the challenges African nations face in global health negotiations often stem from a lack of resources and preparedness.
“One of the key factors that weaken us is arriving late to the table, often without the necessary legal and economic expertise. To strengthen our position, we need to be more organised, involve civil society, and present a united front.”
Being held accountable
AHF’s campaign is grounded in the urgent need for a stronger, more unified voice from the Global South. The organization’s Africa Bureau Chief, Dr Penninah Lutung, emphasised that the current global health framework has failed to protect the most vulnerable populations, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Pandemic Agreement is a chance for leaders to prioritise lives over profits. It is time to create a binding framework that ensures equitable access to health technologies for all nations, not just the wealthiest,” said Dr Lutung.
Speakers also criticised high-income countries for pushing non-binding agreements that have historically left developing nations behind.
Aggrey Aluso, Africa Director of the Pandemic Action Network, urged for a move away from philanthropy-based global health financing, stating that such systems lack the accountability needed to address urgent health crises. “Philanthropy is discretionary and cannot be the foundation of global health equity. We need robust, accountable financing mechanisms that ensure developing nations can respond effectively to future pandemics.”
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Preparing for future health crises
The conference highlighted the urgent need for African nations to be better prepared for future pandemics, with many countries already grappling with public health challenges such as cholera and malaria. AHF and its partners called on the South African government to lead by example in pushing for commitments that will strengthen regional health systems, improve research and development capabilities, and ensure equitable access to life-saving treatments.
The World Health Organization began its Pandemic Agreement negotiations in December 2021 with the aim of creating a framework for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body is currently underway, with key decisions expected to shape global health for years to come.
“It is not just about preventing the next pandemic. Rather, it is about building a system where African countries can protect their own populations without having to rely on the goodwill of wealthier nations,” concluded Alaniz.
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