countries. The Minister of Health declared this outbreak of Ebola in the DRC over on 24 July 2018, after
two incubation periods had passed since final exposure to a confirmed case of the virus. By the termination
of the outbreak, there were 54 reported cases, with 33 deaths. Although there are current reports of
another Ebola outbreak elsewhere in the DRC which has not yet been halted, early response efforts to the
May 2018 outbreak made significant strides in stopping its spread, thanks in part to the financing available
through PEF.
Yet while the PEF fits a unique gap in financing for pandemic response, it cannot be a substitute for
adequate national emergency preparedness. Efforts are underway by WBG, WHO, and the U.S. Agency
for International Development (USAID) to map funding options and availabilities for different emergency
situations, including preparation. Furthermore, the World Bank is looking into how the PEF insurance
model could also work for other global challenges such as famine. These international efforts may provide
additional resources for nations strengthening their emergency preparedness efforts.
Recommendation.
1. Low-income countries should continue to request funds from the PEF for emergency surge financing
to cover rapid response to outbreaks that could become pandemics.
2. Besides the initial commitment from Germany, additional nations should become donor countries for
the PEF cash window and also donate funding streams to other rapid response mechanisms for serious
diseases outbreaks.
3. Stakeholders should continue mapping systems for emergency responses to determine which financi al
mechanisms are available and should be used in different circumstances at different times; create more
pandemic insurance as necessary, covering financial gaps for response and prevention; and, invest in
preparedness and prevention, not just response.
4. While the PEF is a great new tool for surge response to pandemics, make sure that national systems and
preparedness are also built and strengthened for more sustainable prevention and response.
Implications.
Funding mechanisms which provide surge finances for emergencies, including pandemics, could save lives
and reduce overall cost of response. Without such mechanisms and financing, more people will die from
diseases and economies will suffer.
“Over time, the PEF is also expected to create a new market for pandemic insurance that will bring greater
discipline and rigor to pandemic preparedness and incentivize better pandemic response planning. The
PEF will also stimulate efforts by countries and development partners to build better core public health
capabilities for disease surveillance and health systems strengthening, toward universal health coverage”
(WBG, PEF FAQ).
Event Description.
This lesson is based on these sources:
•
•
“Congo Ebola Outbreak Offers First Test for Emergency Fund to Prevent Pandemics,” Ben Parker,
IRIN, (28 May 2018).
“World Bank Group’s Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF) Makes First $12 million
Commitment to Bridge Financing Gap for Ebola Response in DRC,” World Bank Press Release No:
2018/170/HNP, (22 May 2018).
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