Motsoaledi calls for fairer access to pandemic products

He delivered the keynote address at the G20 Health Working Group meeting in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Motsoaledi warned that the world cannot afford to repeat the mistakes made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He referred to the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, a key part of the new global Pandemic Agreement adopted last month by 124 countries at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

South Africa co-chaired the negotiations that led to this landmark treaty, only the second adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1948.

Motsoaledi said finalising the PABS system will help ensure life-saving pandemic products are shared fairly with all countries, especially those most in need.

"The next step will involve tough political negotiations to ensure pharmaceutical companies contribute fairly during pandemic emergencies,” he added.

Motsoaledi stressed the need for collective action to ensure global health security.

“Your presence here today is a testament to our collective commitment to global health security,” he told delegates.

Motsoaledi credited the agreement to the diligent work of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which developed the new legally binding framework for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

“The stark lessons of the COVID-19 crisis fuelled our collective resolve to forge a more robust and equitable framework. One that ensures international cooperation and protects all nations from the devastating impact of future pandemics,” he said.

South Africa played a pivotal leadership role as INB co-chair alongside France and the Netherlands, with support from vice-chairs representing Brazil, Thailand, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Motsoaledi said the agreement rests on four key pillars aimed at transforming the global response to health emergencies.

"Equitable access to pandemic-related health products, Establishment of a global supply chain and logistics network, creation of a coordinating financial mechanism to strengthen pandemic response capabilities and a one health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health strategies," he said.

The agreement also incorporates the PABS system, requiring pharmaceutical companies to contribute 20% of their production during pandemics in exchange for access to critical pathogen data. 

The goal is to ensure that all nations benefit from scientific advancements, especially during crises.

“As an active participant and representative of the African region, I can say with certainty that we see this agreement as a crucial step toward rectifying the deep-seated imbalances in access to life-saving pandemic products that were so painfully exposed during the recent crisis,” said Motsoaledi.

While he hailed the agreement as a significant milestone, Motsoaledi cautioned that much still needed to be done.

“While we celebrate the adoption of the pandemic agreement, our work is far from over. We are now entering a critical new phase.”

He called for immediate engagement on finalising the PABS system and urged the Intergovernmental Working Group to meet before 15 July 2025.

“Finalising a robust and equitable PABS annexe is the ultimate litmus test of our collective commitment. It is the essential next step to transform the Pandemic Agreement from a document of principles into a functional, life-saving tool for justice and our shared global health security.”

Motsoaledi also called for continued collaboration to safeguard global health for all.

This week-long meeting in Johannesburg, bringing together health leaders, experts, and policymakers from the world’s largest economies, invited nations, and international organisations, will run until Friday.

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