Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke in GENEVA, Switzerland
ZIMBABWE has thrown its full support behind the historic Pandemic Agreement adopted by World Health Organisation (WHO) Member States yesterday, describing it as a vital instrument in fortifying national, regional, and global health security.
The agreement was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution after three years of intensive negotiations.
It seeks to address critical gaps and inequities exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic and promote coordinated international action, fair distribution of health resources, and timely sharing of information during global health emergencies.
“Zimbabwe aligns itself with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the member states of the Afro Region, and its participation in the negotiations for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, which is a legally binding international instrument aimed at strengthening global health security,” said Health and Child Care Permanent Secretary, Dr Aspect Maunganidze.
“Zimbabwe’s involvement in the negotiations reflects its commitment to enhancing its health systems and contributing to regional and global health security.
“The country previously engaged in regional initiatives such as the signing of the Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement for the Establishment of the SADC Demand-Tariff Operations Centre in 2023.”
Dr Maunganidze said the new agreement represented a pivotal opportunity to build resilient health systems, ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments, and foster collaborative partnerships among African nations.
“We are committed to undertaking policies that prioritise the health and well-being of our citizens and promote collaboration in our efforts to fight future pandemics. In this regard, Zimbabwe supports the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement,” he added.
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of health systems across Africa. Zimbabwe, like many other African nations, faced a shortage of medical supplies, limited intensive care capacity, and delayed access to vaccines.
With most vaccines initially reserved by high-income countries, Africa had to rely on international donations and COVAX-supported rollouts to begin immunisation programmes months after wealthier regions.
Zimbabwean Government, however, set aside more than US$100 million for the purchase of vaccines from China, making the country one of the first on the continent to roll out a successful vaccination campaign.
Regardless, the pandemic strained public health services and disrupted economic activity, especially within the informal sector.
Although the country managed to roll out vaccines with relative efficiency once supplies became available, the initial delays highlighted the need for self-reliance and regional solidarity in health security.
The new Pandemic Agreement offers a framework for equitable access to health tools, improved preparedness, and stronger international collaboration, which African countries, including Zimbabwe, have long called for.
WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the adoption of the agreement, saying it marked a decisive step toward a safer, fairer world.
“Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential,” he said.
The adoption of the Pandemic Agreement is expected to lead to concrete reforms in national preparedness strategies, increased investment in public health infrastructure, and enhanced global cooperation in pandemic response efforts.
