Vaccine nationalism experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic undermined global solidarity, leaving developing countries at risk, and Africa cautions against a repeat of such actions.
The African Group supports the new UN Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response but says fair access to health technologies remains non-negotiable to future global health emergencies.
The African Group has cautioned that the deficiencies revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic must be rectified before the next pandemic occurs.
Namibia, chairing the African Group at the United Nations this month, delivered the Group's position during the 81st General Assembly plenary meeting on the adoption of the Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.
Namibia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Penda Naanda, elaborated on the Group's position.
"Vaccine nationalism severely undermined timely and equitable access to vaccines in developing countries, including in Africa. It deepened mistrust in global health cooperation and showed the cost of prioritising commercial interests over access to life-saving health technologies. Innovation must be encouraged, but not at the expense of health equity and solidarity."
The Group also wants future pandemic responses to balance-sharing of pathogen materials and genetic sequence information with the fair distribution of benefits arising from their use.
It argues that both obligations must advance equally, with developing countries receiving fair access to resulting health technologies.
"These two elements must advance on equal footing. The African Group wishes to register that any references to the terms "gender," "sexual," and "reproductive health" are interpreted within our respective obligations under international humanitarian law and in a manner that corresponds to our national laws."
The declaration comes amid continuing gaps in global health preparedness, with mpox, Andes Hantavirus, and the Ebola Bundibugyo emergency.
These continue to expose persistent weaknesses in disease detection, data sharing, and emergency healthcare.
The African Group is thus advocating for developing countries to receive sustainable financing and the participation of frontline health workers and communities.
Despite concerns over the final text on the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, the Group supports the declaration.
"To ensure accountability, commitments must be translated into concrete action, and their implementation must be explicitly reflected in the scope of the midterm review at the eighty-third session of the General Assembly," added Naanda.
The African Group also called attention to the crucial role of the World Health Organization and regional institutions in coordinating pandemic preparedness and response.
It stated that developing countries must have meaningful participation in global health decisions, instead of just symbolic inclusion.