The United States has announced a planned contribution of up to $667 million to the Pandemic Fund, aimed at supporting pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This announcement was made by Secretary Yellen during the Pandemic Fund Investment Case launch event, held alongside the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting.
The U.S. commitment represents one-third of the $2 billion resource mobilization goal set by the Pandemic Fund through 2026. This pledge is contingent upon Congressional appropriations and fund availability.
The Pandemic Fund aims to raise at least $2 billion in new direct funding and an equivalent amount in co-financing. It is developing a sustainable resource mobilization plan to attract new donors and financing sources.
With this pledge, the United States has urged existing donors to double their initial commitments and called for support from new partners, including governments, private sectors, philanthropies, and civil society. The objective is to enhance global preparedness for future pandemics.
“Our pledge today builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s steadfast commitment to strengthening global health security and pandemic preparedness around the world,” stated Secretary Yellen. She emphasized that a fully-resourced Pandemic Fund would better equip nations to prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics.
Ambassador John Nkengasong highlighted the potential of the Pandemic Fund as a catalytic mechanism in combating global pandemics. He noted his role in co-chairing the Strategy Committee that developed a five-year Strategic Plan guiding the Fund’s expansion of partnerships and long-term financing strategies.
Dr. Atul Gawande underscored the importance of greater investments in global health security to break cycles of panic and neglect following health emergencies. He called on other partners to contribute towards building a stronger global health security framework.
Established in September 2022, the Pandemic Fund collaborates with countries, implementing partners, philanthropies, and civil society organizations. It focuses on filling critical gaps in pandemic capacities at national, regional, and global levels—particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In 2023 alone, it provided $338 million in grants across 37 countries with another $500 million expected before year-end for new projects.
The medium-term Strategic Plan recently released by the Pandemic Fund aims to strengthen global health security capacities further. The initiative supports countries’ implementation of International Health Regulations while complementing U.S.-led efforts through Global Health Security Program Partners worldwide.
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