The Pandemic Fund is considering an emergency financing model to streamline funding for public health crises, following its rapid $128.9 million allocation for the mpox outbreak. Discussions include activating funding upon WHO declarations of emergencies -Devex
The Pandemic Fund is exploring the establishment of an emergency financing model in response to its recent success in mobilising $128.9 million for the mpox outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa. According to an article published by Devex, the fund managed to swiftly allocate resources during its second proposal round, as several countries impacted by the outbreak had adaptable submissions.
The board of the Pandemic Fund is currently deliberating the implementation of an emergency finance facility, which would streamline funding processes for future public health emergencies. Priya Basu, executive head of the Pandemic Fund Secretariat, emphasized the need for a simplified approach to enhance readiness for subsequent outbreaks. The proposed facility would activate upon specific triggers, such as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
While discussions are ongoing, the board is cautious about creating an emergency fund that might overlap with existing organizations’ efforts. Basu stressed that the Pandemic Fund aims to complement and enhance current resources rather than duplicate them.
The emergency funding for mpox response will support five key projects aimed at improving surveillance systems, laboratory capacities, and workforce training. As the fund seeks to raise an additional $2 billion, it hopes to refine its financing mechanisms to effectively address emerging health threats while ensuring sustainable pandemic preparedness.
