A gender-responsive Pandemic Accord is needed for a healthier, equitable future

A particular epidemiological profile: disparities in access to contraceptive methods in Brazil during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic

“…Family planning is crucial for the sustainable development of all individuals, as it enables people to achieve their reproductive goals while also reducing problems arising from unplanned pregnancies and abortions, as well as reducing the risk of maternal and infant mortality 25 – 27 . The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on family planning services and access to contraceptives has been highlighted by the United Nations, especially among young women and adolescents and in low- and middle-income countries, and thinking about SRH policies for gender equity during this period is even more fundamental 28 , 29 .…”

Shaping the future of global access to safe, effective, appropriate and quality health products

“…It also means ensuring that the R&D efforts respond to the critical questions for public health practice and adopt a gender lens throughout. 4 …”

“…It also means ensuring that the R&D efforts respond to the critical questions for public health practice and adopt a gender lens throughout. 4 Within the health sector, the explicit adoption of health technology assessment (HTA) may contribute to transparency and sustainability of the national health systems, by allowing informed decisions on which effective interventions (including medicines, vaccines and diagnostics) should be prioritised for public funding, procurement and subsidisation in a holistic public health approach. 35 In many LMICs, there is an urgent need to build HTA capacity, next to systems-wide models connecting health supply with health needs.…”

“…It also blatantly ignored lessons from the past, including the importance of gender equity. 4 LESSONS (NOT) LEARNT FROM THE PAST Back in 2000, six million HIV patients in LMICs lacked access to life-saving antiretrovirals (ARVs), due to high prices linked to pharmaceutical monopolies. 5 Health and human rights advocates, such as the Treatment Action Campaign in South Africa, played a pivotal role in advocating for affordable and equitable access to ARVs, and ultimately contributed to important changes in policy and practice.…”

Invest in youth led efforts for gender equality and pandemic preparedness

“…At the 78th UN general assembly in September 2023, member states unanimously adopted the first political declaration on pandemic preparedness and response, which includes commitments to strengthen women’s meaningful participation, leadership, and decision making and to reduce the 24% gender pay gap in health. 12 While, we applaud the recognition of gender issues within the political declaration, it does not focus on youth and their needs. Going forward there must be meaningful inclusion and engagement of young leaders in pandemic governance structures, ranging from the global Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response and WHO’s pandemic accords to national health security committees.…”