Think20 Policy Brief - Towards a Global Yet Distributed Network of Stockpiles of Essential Medical Supplies

Published July 28, 2023

This Policy Brief was published by Think20, the official engagement group of the G20 and can be accessed here.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a coordinated global response to future pandemics, especially in low-income countries. This policy brief proposes that the G20 countries provide a political endorsement for a G20-led stockpile of essential medicines and equipment, which can be used to respond to health emergencies at the global, regional, and local levels. The World Health Organization (WHO) will play a critical role in identifying essential items for the stockpile, and in determining which countries have the capacity to physically hold them. The G20 countries will need to volunteer to contribute specific materials to the stockpile, as per their economic and material capabilities. Regional hubs for pandemic response will need to be established in consultation with the WHO to release items from the stockpile in the event of a crisis. The WHO will have the power to tap into the stockpiles for declared pandemics or health emergencies and will be responsible for delivering aid.

Authors