Omar Galárraga

The session first draws lessons from HIV and COVID-19 responses. Key topics include: whole-of-government approach, global solidarity, human resources for health, digital technology, financing and research investments. It then calls for simplified regimens and point-of-care testing for children and adolescents to end the AIDS pandemic, emphasizing the goal for equity.

Yazdan Yazdanpanah (France) emphasizes a horizontal approach and global solidarity in pandemic preparedness, stressing collaboration across government sectors and populations. He highlights the significance of human resources for healthcare and digital technology during crises responses, along with the need for quick access to essential medicines. Moherndran Archary (South Africa) focuses on treatment equity between adults and children to end HIV by 2030. He emphasizes the urgent need for point-of-care diagnostic tests for infant diagnosis and presents implementation strategies to reduce early mortality, emphasizing cost-effectiveness. A crucial highlight is the transition to pediatric dolutegravir with infant dosing using harmonized weight bands, advancing optimal treatment for children and adolescents with HIV, and promoting treatment equity across age groups. Throughout the session, there is a strong emphasis on using innovations as powerful tools to reduce healthcare inequities. Presenters ackhowledge the importance of delivering these innovations to all populations, particularly underserved communities and vulnerable groups. Overall, the plenary provides valuable insights into pandemic preparedness, treatment equity, and the transformative potential of innovations. The presentations reinforce the need for collective efforts, global solidarity, and targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all, regardless of age, location, or socioeconomic status.

This session provides valuable insights into strengthening health systems for pandemic preparedness, leveraging experiences from HIV and COVID-19. The emphasis on a whole-of-government approach and global solidarity underscore collaborative efforts in combating pandemics. Integration of digital technology and human resources in healthcare enhance pandemic response capabilities. The focus on treatment equity for children and adolescents is crucial in achieving the goal of ending the AIDS pandemic by 2030. Although there is an urgent need for comprehensive approaches that prioritize equity and inclusivity in pandemic preparedness, limitations in resource availability and real-time access to innovations can challenge equitable implementation.