As the world continues to reckon with the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch of the Strategic Joint Evaluation of the Collective International Development and Humanitarian Assistance Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic offered (AB: remove the hyperlink from “offered”) a critical moment of reflection – and a renewed call to action. The event brought together global partners to confront a simple truth: the next pandemic is not a question of if, but when. What the world chooses to do now will determine how prepared we are when that moment comes.
Against this backdrop, WHO emphasized the importance of translating the hard-earned lessons of COVID-19 into stronger systems, smarter cooperation, and faster, more equitable response mechanisms. With 194 Member States currently negotiating the final annex of the WHO Pandemic Agreement – focused on pathogen access and benefit sharing – WHO urged governments to seize next week’s discussions as a pivotal opportunity to move this crucial piece forward. Global unity, the Organization stressed, remains the backbone of effective preparedness.
The evaluation aligns closely with WHO’s commitment to continuous learning, building on earlier assessments such as the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Evaluation of COVID-19 and global health cluster reviews. Together, these bodies of evidence highlight the need for more resilient systems, better coordination, and stronger application of scientific and operational lessons on the ground.
COVID-19 exposed deep vulnerabilities – within health systems, supply chains, governance structures, and public trust. The evaluation reinforces four essential principles for the future: solidarity, equity, science, and sustained preparedness. Strong primary health care, early detection, transparent reporting, and equitable access to vaccines and diagnostics are not optional; they are the foundations of global health security.
WHO is already acting on these lessons, including through expanded medical countermeasure platforms and the Pandemic Fund, which has mobilized over USD 885 million for low-income countries. (AB: should be US$ 885 million).
The launch of this evaluation serves as a powerful reminder and a collective call to learn, collaborate and ensure the world is better prepared for the next pandemic.