The pandemic agreement: Achieving an African win for health security inequity

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the frailty and disparities of global health systems, especially in Africa. Vaccine nationalism and lack of inclusivity characterized early responses, raising concerns about global health security frameworks like the International Health Regulations. In response, the WHO formed an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to draft a new Pandemic Agreement aimed at ensuring equity and addressing policy gaps. While progress has been made on governance, compliance, and R&D, consensus on pathogen access, benefit sharing, and financing remains elusive.