Equity in the context of pandemics encompasses more than fairness and justice, which are fundamental values fostering trust and cooperation. It’s also a necessity for human security, safeguarding not only health but also mitigating the inevitable impact of epidemics and pandemics on our economies and societies. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, policy and decision-makers now acknowledge that “nobody is safe until everyone is safe”, but much more needs to be done to translate this concern into policy practice.
The GPMB calls on countries, in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the private sector, civil society and international organizations, to urgently implement the following key actions to improve equity: