The Covid pandemic exposed weaknesses within our global health systems. Almost three years later, the virus is still with us, but the world is making good progress to recover.
I wish to take this opportunity to commend the Government of Indonesia for launching the Pandemic Fund a few days ago, together with partners. This mechanism will help close the gap in prevention, preparedness, and financing.
To restructure our global health architecture, however, we need to pay equal attention to all its components.
First, to close the vaccine equity gap, we need to continue investing in pharmaceutical production in Africa and other developing countries. The European Union has been very supportive in this regard on our continent.
Second, we would like to see more biomedical research and development partnerships between African scientists and those in the G20.
Lastly, technology and knowledge transfer is central. The new African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation, launched by the African Development Bank, will help Africa gain rapid access to the latest pharmaceutical breakthroughs.
This goes hand-in-hand with building the capacity of public health institutions and investing in medical personnel, including community health workers.
The road towards global health security is long, but essential. But two things are certain.
What will get us there faster is the political will to put health at the centre of our development agenda, and the recognition that, ultimately, we are all equal.
I thank you.