In 2020, a pandemic legal instrument was mandated to deliver on equitable access. Political posturing and non-transparency have been the hallmark of the INB negotiations. A completely sidelined civil society could only watch as the most relevant equity-related articles were being pushed around and erased.
We demand: Legally binding obligations on equitable access; legally binding language for a PABS system where benefits sharing is equally important as pathogen access; a financing mechanism that is sustainable and accountable to WHO MS; mechanisms to safeguard against the commodification and financialisation of health systems under the guise of PPR; and recognition of the importance of meaningful community involvement and leadership in developing national pandemic responses. We demand that process and substance be prioritised over the timeframe; and urge the negotiations to be extended with adequate engagement of civil society.