Towards More Equitable Access to Health Innovations

Longstanding inequities in access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics was made widely apparent by the COVID-19 crisis. Many countries were dependent on a limited number of global suppliers and manufacturers, exacerbating pre-existing inequities and reducing their resilience and capacity to respond to health challenges.

At a time when global attention is shifting towards improving the way we prevent and respond to future pandemics, this session will focus on the importance of equitable access to health innovations.

In collaboration with governments of donor and implementing countries, as well as manufacturers and communities, expanding the availability and affordability of quality assured health products is in everyone's interest. Ensuring equity in each stage of the continuum, from the incentive to develop and introduce new tools, to supply chain and last-mile access – including for the poorest and most marginalized – is essential to ensure effective coverage and leave no one behind.

Germany’s leadership during its G7 Presidency in 2022 and through its continued partnership with mechanisms like Gavi and the Global Fund has had a key role in advancing this agenda, working towards more equitable access to and delivery of health innovations.

Through first-hand testimonies from partner countries, panelists will discuss how strong and coordinated collaboration among global health organizations with the support of global health leaders like Germany can stand up to unprecedented challenges.

This session will highlight how we can maximize impact by building on the investments made in the last two decades, better support regional capacities and continue strengthening health systems. By reinforcing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable systems for health, we can ensure early detection and control of outbreaks and the deployment of vaccines, diagnostics and treatments for current and future epidemics.