Seizing the Moment: Global Action to End the Covid-19 Crisis and Prevent the Next Pandemic

Eleven leading health organizations from around the world released a joint declaration highlighting urgent, actionable priorities to update the post-Omicron Covid-19 strategy for a more equitable and effective global pandemic response. These recommendations set clear expectations for global leaders coming together on May 12 for the Second Global Covid-19 Summit hosted by the United States, Belize, Germany, Indonesia, and Senegal.

Covid GAP and Pandemic Action Network co-hosted a joint virtual convening, Global Call to Action: End the Covid-19 Crisis and Prevent the Next Pandemic, on March 29 along with Africa CDC; African Population and Health Research Center; Amref Health Africa; Andean Health Organization; Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives; College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University; ONE Campaign; and WACI Health. The convening and report were supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The joint report, Seizing the Moment: Global Action to End the Covid-19 Crisis and Prevent the Next Pandemic, synthesizes the perspectives of diverse speakers — who were joined by over 400 participants from around the world — to identify top priorities to meet global needs at this stage of the pandemic and to build stronger, more resilient, and equitable systems for the future.

The report calls for four specific high-priority actions:

1. Accelerate equitable access to and acceptance of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, building for the future.
2. Support country-led and community-driven goals and priorities, with global support strengthening national and regional systems and advancing equity.
3. Build and invest now to pandemic proof the future for everyone, everywhere.
4. Drive accountability at all levels and commit to global solidarity.

This consortium of global organizations will continue to collaborate to increase accountability for action and progress from key public and private stakeholders around the world.