Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a global acknowledgement of the heightened risk environment and the need to be prepared for a broad spectrum of biological threats.
The pandemic and ongoing armed conflicts have exposed the vulnerabilities of the global supply chain for medical countermeasures and materials. Such issues have made it imperative to improve preparedness and resilience in the event of a health crisis, whether naturally occurring, deliberately caused or accidental.
A potentially important component of preparedness is supply chain resilience through the strategic stockpiling of countermeasures such as medicines, vaccines, diagnostic tests and personal protective equipment, and consideration of how these resources can be effectively managed and swiftly deployed.
It is unlikely that the world can rely on a handful of countries to share their national stockpiles with others. International cooperation will be necessary for effective and efficient response in the context of limited supplies. Therefore, a considered approach to strategic stockpiling is required to ensure all countries can successfully respond.
Achieving preparedeness entails navigating a complex landscape of logistical, ethical, political and national security considerations, particularly in the context of international cooperation.
Since 2022, The Global Health Programme has engaged key stakeholders in strategic stockpiling in private policy roundtables and public expert panel discussions at regional and national platforms. These events have focused on identifying the critical areas of consideration for strategic stockpiling and supply chain resilience and security in the context of preparedness for infectious disease emergencies of international concern and improved response capability and deterrence against deliberate chemical, biological and nuclear attacks.
This area of work involves partnership with national, regional and international leaders looking to take a considered approach to strategic stockpiling of medical countermeasures for global health security and CBRN risk reduction and deterrence. It fosters cross-border and cross-sector dialogue, alignment and solutions co-development among governments, regional organizations, international organizations, the civilian and military sectors and the private sector for a more coherent approach to the issue.
Meeting summaries
Read the summaries of the latest roundtables on this issue:
