Photo / Anindito Mukherjee/BloombergA high-powered global panel convened by former prime minister Helen Clark has found failures at every step of the world's pandemic preparedness and response. It's now set out a range of fixes to stop the next disaster, including beefing up the World Health Organisation (WHO), raising billions for new funding and forming a global council. "So now the world needs to wake up, and commit to clear targets, additional resources, new measures and strong leadership to prepare for the future." As well, the World Trade Organisation and WHO should convene major vaccine-producing countries and manufacturers to agree to voluntary licensing and technology transfer for Covid-19 vaccines - and within three months. It must learn from this crisis, and plan for the next one," the panel report said.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 12, 2021 10:03 UTC