The SARS outbreak in 2002 and Ebola outbreaks since 2014 highlighted to the world the need for strong global systems focused on health — and how fast viruses can get out of control where weak systems exist. Funding health initiatives that think holistically about health security — that is, proactive and reactive activities that can reduce the impact of health events on the public across borders — is critical.
Immunization and strengthening health systems are among the initiatives supporting health security. But it can also include research into emerging infectious diseases and establishing global and regional systems to detect and respond to health concerns.
When it came to COVID-19, the investment that had been made in health security was not enough. The declaration of a pandemic saw an increase in focus — particularly from Europe — that more was needed. But there were some donors already focused on this space.