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Global health inequity persists in pandemic agreement talks, says AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
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The Zika epidemic triggered widespread panic in the Americas, primarily due to its association with severe birth defects like microcephaly. This outbreak was not only a medical emergency but also a social crisis, deeply impacting public perception and policy. The virus’s ability to be transmitted through multiple routes, including mosquito bites, sexual contact, and from mother to child, made containment exceptionally challenging. The 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil brought global attention to the crisis when several athletes chose not to participate due to fear of infection.
The consultation, facilitated by the Panel for a Global Public Health Convention, gathered insights from various regions, including the Americas, Africa, and Europe, highlighting the critical role of NGOs in advocating, mobilizing, and implementing public health changes. The discussions emphasized the need for a binding international agreement that addresses gaps in global governance and oversight revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on equity, transparency, and accountability.