PD 07 - Pandemic Preparedness in the 21st Century

To prevent a disease outbreak from turning into an epidemic or even a pandemic which may cause significant social and economic damage, preparedness and an early response is essential. This requires sufficient and timely funding as well as structures which are in a position to respond fast and adaquately. Pandemic insurance promises to avoid lengthy humanitarian appeals and make financing available when needed to contain deadly outbreaks. How does pandemic insurance fit into the global financing architecture for pandemic preparedness? How does pandemic insurance work in practice? Is pandemic insurance all it takes to contain major disease outbreaks? And what role does it play from the (re-)insurance industry’s point of view? Would countries be ready to pay insurance premiums to be covered in case of emergency? These questions will be discussed in this session that brings together representatives of WHO, the World Bank, the African Risk Capacity, civil societ, reinsurance industry as well as the partner countries.