The next health crisis cannot catch us unprepared. Let's make full use of the lessons learned during the pandemic. I see 5 priorities in this regard.
First, we must strengthen the global health architecture. We need stronger global coordination in preventing, preparing and responding to future pandemics. The World Health Organisation deserves a reform, with the resources to fulfil its leading role as the global health's nerve centre.
Second, we have to step up our engagement with countries that are less equipped to address health emergencies. They need more skilled personnel, better infrastructure and more community engagement. And we have to increase local capacities to produce vaccines in the places where they are needed. The EU is supporting countries like Senegal, South Africa, Ghana or Rwanda, where local manufacturing projects are now taking firm root. We need to start thinking about regional manufacturing hubs serving regions
Third, financing. We should work together with the G20 to ensure that in case of a future pandemic money can be deployed more rapidly and efficiently. In the COVID pandemic the usual channels to finance medical counter-measures took too long.
Fourth, I agree that Universal Health Coverage is essential for a sustainable and healthy future. I therefore support Japan's Global Action Plan in this area.
Finally, I would like to stress the importance of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Prevention and innovation are the only way to stop this 'silent pandemic'. We should set ourselves concrete targets to reduce the use of antibiotics, by improving public awareness and by training health professionals. And we need more research in new technologies and novel antibiotics.
