India Pushes for Global Health Solidarity at UN

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava represented India at the UN high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in New York. She reiterated India's dedication to enhancing global health security through robust international cooperation. Ms. Srivastava emphasized the critical need to implement lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic into long-term investments and strengthened health systems.

During her address on September 25, 2026, she detailed India's comprehensive approach to managing health emergencies. This includes expanding laboratory networks, emergency coordination, and clinical care capacity. She also called for digital public infrastructure to be acknowledged as a global public good, given its crucial role in various health services during the pandemic.

Srivastava underscored the importance of global solidarity and equitable access to health products. India's past efforts, including supplying 300 million vaccine doses to nearly 100 countries, were highlighted as a reflection of its 'One Earth, One Health' commitment. The WHO Pandemic Agreement, adopted in May 2025, was termed a significant milestone, with its effectiveness contingent on a fair Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system.

She stressed that PABS must ensure timely access to benefits for nations contributing pathogens and biological resources, while respecting national sovereignty. Ms. Srivastava also called for the 'One Health' approach's implementation according to domestic laws and national circumstances. Preparedness, she concluded, is a shared responsibility requiring equitable action to combat future pandemics.