AHF Nigeria Calls on EU to Prioritize Health Equity in Global Pandemic Negotiations
The Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has issued a strong appeal to the European Union (EU) to actively support health equity during the ongoing negotiations for a global pandemic agreement. This initiative aims to guarantee that vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments are distributed fairly and equitably across all nations, particularly those in the global South, in future health emergencies. The foundation emphasized that such measures are crucial to preventing a recurrence of the disparities witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Urgent Warning as Deadline Approaches
With the May 2026 deadline for ratifying the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annex fast approaching, AHF has raised alarms about the potential consequences of failing to secure a binding agreement. The organization cautioned that any delay could hinder the ratification of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, potentially leading to a repeat of past inequities and injustices. This, in turn, could undermine efforts to build regional manufacturing capacity and establish genuine health sovereignty in low- and middle-income countries.
Key Stakeholders Advocate for Fairness
At a press conference in Abuja, organized by AHF Nigeria in collaboration with various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Dr. Echey Ijezie, the Country Programme Director of AHF, urged EU leaders to cease blocking equity provisions. He called on the EU to align its position with the principles of solidarity and fairness by supporting mandatory benefit-sharing, legal certainty, and real accountability within the agreement.
Romy Mum, President of Lawyers Alert, reinforced this stance by insisting that the global pandemic framework should not be ratified until the annex is made equitable for all, including the global South. He highlighted that pathogens used in developing drugs and vaccines are extracted from worldwide sources, necessitating fair treatment for all contributing nations.
Emphasis on Local Strategies and Media Advocacy
Martin Egbanubi, National Secretary of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), stressed the importance of the Nigerian government developing robust strategies to tackle health emergencies. He advocated for increased investment in local vaccine production to reduce reliance on Western nations, which would enhance the country's ability to respond effectively to future crises.
Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, Vice President of Zone D for the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), emphasized the need for the government to adopt a harmonized position on critical issues like the PABS. She expressed the media's commitment to advocating for equity, promoting inclusivity, diversity, and justice across all sectors.
