World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (DG HERA) have strengthened collaboration on pooled procurement mechanisms to improve access to medical countermeasures during health emergencies.

The second joint workshop, held in Kuala Lumpur on 8 June 2026, brought together representatives from WHO, regional health organizations, development banks and research institutions to explore how pooled procurement can support faster and more equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.

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Participants highlighted the importance of pre-financing, pooled financing and demand guarantees, while emphasizing that effective governance and clear demand signals are also essential for translating financial commitments into timely delivery.

Opening the discussion, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i. of WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management, emphasized the importance of situating pooled procurement within a broader system response. “Regional pooled procurement mechanisms are part of a broader ecosystem that can respond faster, more equitably and dynamically to threats,” she said.

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The workshop also highlighted the role of the interim Medical Countermeasures Network (i-MCM-Net) in improving coordination and reducing duplication in emergency procurement.

Participants agreed on the need to strengthen regional procurement systems during preparedness phases, build trust before crises and develop sustainable financing and supply mechanisms that can respond rapidly during future health emergencies.