Chapter 4 - The imperative for global cooperation to prevent and control pandemics

Abstract

This chapter describes and critiques the imperative for global health cooperation to prevent and control pandemics. It highlights a lack of solidarity and urgency to expand or create cooperative initiatives to counter the threat of COVID-19 and future pandemics. Multiple stakeholders need to work together to build core capacities and maintain public health surveillance and alert, generate knowledge, and distribute essential resources fairly. The authors describe the global governance of pandemics and provide examples of formal and informal mechanisms of cross-border, regional, and international cooperation, identifying successes, challenges, and shortfalls. The case study evaluates the ambitious initiative COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility (COVAX), detailing the flawed premise of equitable vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learned. Finally, the authors analyze the benefits of a legally binding pandemic treaty, share a vision for the future, and suggest actions that stakeholders can take at the global and country levels to enhance cooperation and build trust and confidence to prevent and manage health emergencies.