Regional Collective Action to Address Covid-19 and Prepare for Future Pandemics

Abstract

The need for regional cooperation in addressing health threats and supporting preparedness is clear. Regional cooperation around COVID-19 has varied, reflecting disparities in political support, resources and health governance across regions, while highlighting the urgency for strengthening efforts to address the current pandemic and future crises. We recommend that G20 countries support regional organizations to foster a coordinated regional health response; reaffirm their support for the World Health Organization (WHO) and other regional organizations; promote regional needs in discussions around pandemics; invest in scaling-up capacity for data sharing and for the production of supplies, vaccines and medicines; and foster inter-regional cooperation.