WHO Marks 15 Years of Landmark Pandemic Preparedness Framework

The World Health Organization has published a newsletter marking the 15th anniversary of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework. The framework was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2011.

The PIP Framework is described as the world's first and only functioning global access and benefit sharing system for public health.

Its core purpose is to promote the sharing of influenza viruses with pandemic potential and to ensure the equitable sharing of resulting benefits, such as vaccines, antivirals, and diagnostics.

A Global System in Action

During its 15 years of implementation, the PIP Framework has been funded by a Partnership Contribution, provided by manufacturers who utilize WHO's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).

These funds have supported a wide range of public health capacity strengthening projects:

• In 86 countries across all six WHO regions.
• At both global and regional levels.
• In key areas including laboratory and surveillance systems, regulatory functions, risk communications, community engagement, pandemic planning, and disease burden assessment.

A Collaborative Model for Health Security

According to the newsletter, the framework operates with limited funds that are designed to supplement existing financial streams and leverage new ones through partnership approaches.

The newsletter states that the framework's impact reflects a global effort involving WHO Member States, GISRS, manufacturers, associations, civil society and other stakeholders.

Given its unique structure and record, the WHO describes the PIP Framework as a model for future approaches to global health security.