Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has called for stronger and more responsive financing mechanisms to improve global preparedness for future pandemics.
Pate made the appeal during a session of the G20 High-Level Independent Panel held in New York on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly.
The minister stressed the need for funding systems that can be rapidly deployed whenever disease outbreaks occur, enabling countries to respond effectively and minimize health emergencies.
He cited multilateral mechanisms such as the Global Fund, Gavi, and the Pandemic Fund as critical tools for strengthening preparedness and response efforts.
According to him, existing financing arrangements should be better coordinated and made more efficient to provide countries with diagnostic tools, testing kits, therapeutics, and other medical countermeasures during public health crises.
Also speaking at the session, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, emphasized the importance of sustainable financing for regional pharmaceutical manufacturing and resilient global supply chains.
She said stronger investments in local production capabilities would help ensure equitable access to essential medical products during future health emergencies.
The discussions formed part of broader efforts by world leaders and policymakers to enhance international cooperation and readiness against future pandemics.
