The world took a big step towards better pandemic preparedness after the UK and Argentina brought a “landmark” resolution to the World Health Assembly in Geneva last week.
The resolution will champion more specific funding, allowing developing countries to run their own clinical trials, which will enable them to test new drugs, vaccines and other health solutions.
The agreement will also allow developing countries to respond to health emergencies faster, whilst also better equipping them to battle existing health challenges such as tuberculosis, diabetes, and mental health problems.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said: “We saw from Covid-19 how important it is for countries to share information quickly and this resolution represents another landmark moment in the world’s journey to pandemic preparedness.
“Clinical trials are vital for testing and producing lifesaving drugs and vaccines, and this resolution led by the UK and Argentina will make it much easier for developing countries to run their own trials – protecting them and others from another pandemic.”
The resolution also focuses on greater transparency between countries, encouraging them to share their results, which can expedite research processes and reduce research waste.
The development of drugs and vaccines isn’t the only priority however, as the resolution also aims to strengthen clinical trials for all health interventions. Trials for new diagnostics, surgical procedures, and behavioural interventions are all in the conversation, which aligns with the goal of developing new diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines within 100 days of a new pandemic threat being identified.
This is the latest in a long line of UK-led endeavours that will put the world in an improved position to better manage the next pandemic and follows the signing of the Pact for Pandemic Preparedness.
More information about the resolution is available here.
