The Pandemic Fund has announced a significant mobilization of resources, securing US$2.8 billion in new international financing over the past three months to enhance pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities in low- and middle-income countries. This includes commitments from 10 countries totaling US$982 million and co-financing from international organizations exceeding US$1.8 billion.
The announcement coincided with the G20 Finance and Health Ministers' Joint Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro on October 31, 2024. The Pandemic Fund's resource mobilization campaign has reached nearly half of its target to gather at least US$2 billion in new pledges by Spring 2025.
Several sovereign contributors have made new pledges: Australia committed AUD 60 million; India pledged US$12 million; Japan offered US$50 million; Norway provided NOK 240 million; Portugal contributed EUR 300 thousand as a first-time donor; Singapore pledged US$10 million; and Spain increased its support by EUR 25 million. The United States and Germany reaffirmed their earlier pledges of up to US$667 million and EUR 50 million, respectively. Italy plans to match its previous contribution of EUR 100 million soon, while Brazil and Canada are expected to announce new pledges shortly.
The European Commission, France, Indonesia, and South Africa have expressed strong support for the fund, urging further contributions from both sovereign and non-sovereign sources.
Dr. Chatib Basri, former Minister of Finance of Indonesia, along with Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health of Rwanda stated: “We are pleased to see so many contributors re-invest in the Pandemic Fund... We urge more countries as well as non-sovereign funders to join these generous investors as soon as possible.”
H.E. Samuel Roger Kamba emphasized the importance of collective resilience against health crises: “As emerging diseases continue to pose new challenges... Continued investment in the Pandemic Fund is crucial.”
Priya Basu highlighted the significance of these financial commitments: “The high demand for our grants underscores the financing gap we are filling... We look forward to additional financial pledges in the coming months.”
Notable statements from global leaders included calls for increased contributions:
- Janet Yellen urged donors to double their initial pledges.
- Svenja Schulze noted that effective prevention is less costly than pandemics.
- Penny Wong emphasized Australia's partnership efforts.
- Mónica García Gómez announced Spain's commitment increase.
- Ong Ye Kung stressed Singapore's dedication.
- Katsunobu Kato encouraged broader donor participation.
- Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim called for global collaboration.
- Cristina Vaz Tomé reiterated Portugal’s commitment.
Launched by G20 leaders in November 2022 under World Bank Group hosting, the Pandemic Fund aims at better preparing nations for future pandemic threats through grants catalyzing co-financing efforts globally.