The Ministry of Healthcare of Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and with the support of the World Bank, has inaugurated the Pandemic Fund in Kazakhstan on February 15 in Astana Ministry of Healthcare reported. This initiative aims to fortify the nation's resilience to potential future pandemics.
The Pandemic Fund, devised to enhance Kazakhstan's capacity in preventing infectious disease outbreaks, has allocated a $19mn grant, supplemented by $3mn in co-financing, and further bolstered by $36mn in co-investments from the Kazakhstan government.
Priya Basu, the Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund, emphasized the collective commitment to safeguard not only Kazakhstan but also the broader Central Asia region and beyond from future pandemic threats. Basu highlighted the significance of leveraging the fund's resources to bolster public health infrastructure, epidemiological surveillance, border control measures, laboratory safety, and rapid detection and response mechanisms.
"The project embodies our shared commitment to safeguarding not just Kazakhstan but the broader Central Asia region and beyond from the threats of future pandemics," Basu shared during a panel session.
The initiative comes at a crucial juncture as global healthcare faces escalating risks of pandemics, exacerbated by climate change. Basu stressed the importance of proactive preparation for future health emergencies, citing experts' predictions of an over 50% chance of another COVID-like pandemic emerging in the next 25 years.
Kazakhstan's selection as one of the recipients of the fund aligns with its proactive steps in healthcare. Andrei Mikhnev, the World Bank's country manager for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, commended Kazakhstan's efforts, stating that the country's selection reflects recognition of its previous work in the healthcare sector.
Minister of Healthcare Akmaral Alnazarova underscored the significance of methodological support for forecasting and epidemiological surveillance activities. She expressed confidence that the project will enhance Kazakhstan's overall healthcare capacity, ensuring readiness to tackle health challenges effectively.
The initiative is poised to benefit not only Kazakhstan but also the wider Central Asian region. Alnazarova emphasized the relevance of Kazakhstan's location as a central point in the region, which experiences endemic hotspots of highly dangerous infections.
The launch of the Pandemic Fund aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and signals a significant stride towards regional and global health partnership platforms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Kazakhstan, hailed the program as possibly the largest in budgetary terms, reflecting the prioritization of health and well-being by the government and stakeholders.
About Pandemic Fund
Established in 2022 and formally launched at the G20 meetings in Indonesia, the Pandemic Fund represents the first multilateral financing mechanism dedicated to providing multiyear grants to help low- and middle-income countries enhance preparedness for future pandemics. Hosted by the World Bank, the fund exemplifies international collaboration in tackling global health challenges.
Preventing future pandemics necessitates significantly greater investment in prevention, readiness, and response measures. These investments, directed towards addressing deficiencies in surveillance, laboratory capabilities, risk communication, zoonotic diseases, and risk management, are essential in mitigating the potentially substantial costs that a future pandemic could incur.
The Fund also seeks to mobilize additional dedicated resources, encourage nations to augment their investments, foster better coordination among stakeholders, and serve as a platform for advocacy. Furthermore, it will assist in concentrating and sustaining crucial attention on fortifying healthcare systems, while complementing existing mechanisms, involving other pertinent organizations, and backing regional endeavors aimed at fostering collaboration among nations.
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