Distinguished delegates,

COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in health systems and disproportionately affected health and care workers, particularly women. Women make up 70% of health workers, yet hold only 25% of decision-making roles, face unsafe working conditions and are paid less than their male counterparts.

A pandemic instrument is critical for global health security and it must:

1- Be planned and delivered in a gender-responsive approach, integrating gender in the governance, design, financing and delivery of health systems, tackling the inequities that undermine universal and continuous access to health.

2- Address the disproportionate impact pandemics and emergencies have on women health and care workers, empowering women in leadership and decision-making, preventing workplace violence and harassment, ensuring access to fit-for-purpose PPE and closing the pay gap.

3- Recognise community health workers, the majority of whom are women, in the spectrum of the workforce, strengthening their capacities and ensuring decent working conditions.

Thank you.