FIND’s intervention on Realizing the Promise of the WHO Pandemic Agreement: Equity in, for and through Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response at Plenary Session 3 of the 4th G20 HWG Meeting

Delivered by Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa
11 June 2025

Chair, Excellencies,

FIND welcomes the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement. We congratulate Member States for their vision in reaching this agreement and are grateful to Prof Precious Matsoso for her tireless efforts to bring countries to a consensus to chart a path forward for pandemic preparedness and response.

We urge G20 countries to lead in concluding the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex without delay while considering the principles of equity and inclusivity. To build trust, G20 countries must pair sample-sharing expectations with investments in infrastructure and local capacity, especially across the Global South.

The Agreement acknowledges the vital role of diagnostics in early detection and response. Timely access to accurate diagnostics enables national governments to make informed, independent public health decisions. Aiming for access to timely, accurate diagnostics as a standard for UHC/PHC in the interpandemic/peace period is the foundation for achieving the same during pandemics. This must be backed by meaningful investment NOW.

Pending the Pandemic Agreement’s entry into force, the G20 must scale up key mechanisms: fully fund the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network; leverage the 100 Days Mission and the i-MCM Net to drive innovation and equitable access; and invest in biosafety and biobanking standards.

Thank you.