By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Co-Chairs of the  former Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, Nobel Laureate and former Liberian President, Her Excellency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the  Right Honourable Helen Clark, three time New Zealand Prime Minister, have penned a letter to leaders and decision-makers responsible for the Political Declaration to be agreed for the September 20 UNGA High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.

Expressing their concern about what they described as a wasted opportunity, they said the opportunity presented by the High-Level Meeting and the expected Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response is being squandered.

In the open letter as obtained by Vanguard, the duo stated that the current draft of the political declaration fails to express the commitments required of Heads of State and Government to transform the international system of pandemic preparedness and response, reading rather as a health resolution.

It added that neglecting to invest in multi-sectoral pandemic preparedness left the door open to COVID-19, which now accounts for an estimated 24 million excess deaths and enduring social and economic consequences.

 “We have been clear and consistent in our recommendations regarding governance, equitable access to countermeasures, preparedness and surge finance, the need for clear rules and roles, and for a strong World Health Organisation.

“We are committed to principles of equity, inclusion and regional resilience. Our recommendations are intended to ensure that all regions are at the decision-making table and fully benefit from a transformed system.

“We recognize the importance of the ongoing processes in Geneva.  Yet, much as we all want the pandemic accord to succeed, this is not guaranteed.