Asian Development Bank Urges Pandemic-Ready Asia and Pacific Through Stronger Health Security Systems
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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) published an analysis titled ‘From Crisis to Confidence: Building a Pandemic-Ready Asia and the Pacific’, outlining why pandemic preparedness must be mainstreamed into economic and fiscal policy rather than treated as an episodic emergency response. It argues that pandemic preparedness is no longer a discretionary expense but a fundamental pillar of macroeconomic stability and long-term resilience for the region.
The Four Pillars of Institutionalized Preparedness: To move from episodic responses to continuous readiness, the article outlines four strategic pillars for the Asia-Pacific:
Globally Networked Surveillance and Research: Enhancing early-warning systems and research collaboration to detect new zoonotic spillovers driven by climate change and ecological disruption.
Resilient National Health Systems: Strengthening primary care and public health infrastructure to contain shocks and prevent the collapse of essential services.
Equitable Supply of Medical Countermeasures: Establishing robust manufacturing capacity and regional supply chains for vaccines and essential tools to ensure no country is left exposed.
Integrated Crisis Governance: Embedding preparedness within permanent fiscal and development planning, linking health, the environment, and the economy.
Policy Relevance
The coming decade presents a “decisive window” to consolidate development gains before the next major health threat emerges.
Predictable Financing: The report calls for sustained political will and the catalytic role of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to align public investment with global health standards and private capital.
Task Force Diplomacy: Building on pandemic-era innovations, the use of agile, voluntary coalitions of willing states (”Task Forces”) is recommended for handling novel, acute crises where traditional multilateral responses may be slow.
Addressing Inequity: Research indicates that marginalized and rural communities were hit hardest by pandemic-related service disruptions; future policies must prioritize efficiency with equity through expanded financial protections for these groups.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can India integrate pandemic preparedness into fiscal rules, health budgeting, and disaster-risk frameworks so readiness is sustained beyond crisis periods?
Follow the full news here: From Crisis to Confidence: Building a Pandemic-Ready Asia and the Pacific