Advocacy Updates ~ January 24, 2022
Administration News
2022 PEPFAR Country Operational Guidance released
On January 18, the 2022 PEPFAR Country Operational (COP) Guidance was released. The COP 2022 guidance for program implementation highlights themes proposed for the PEPFAR Strategy 2021-2025, which is currently under development, moving PEPFAR countries toward sustained epidemic control of HIV by supporting equitable health services and solutions, building enduring national health systems and capabilities, and establishing lasting collaborations.
Congressional News
Negotiations continue on an FY22 omnibus package and COVID-19 supplemental funding
Negotiations on topline spending levels for fiscal year 2022 continue ahead of February 18, when the current continuing resolution expires.
As the U.S. Agency for International Development has nearly run through its remaining emergency supplemental funds to support the global COVID-19 response, advocates continue their efforts for at least $17 billion to be included in a potential omnibus package.
If you are interested in getting involved in the push for these critical supplemental funds, through grassroots, communication and social media or direct advocacy, email advocacy@globalhealth.org.
International News
WHO Executive Board kicks off
The 150th session of the WHO Executive Board will take place Monday, January 24 through Saturday, January 29, 2022. At this annual meeting, Board members agree on a provisional agenda for the World Health Assembly and resolutions or decisions to be considered by the assembly. This year the Executive Board will discuss over 40 agenda items, including reports for the Sustainable Finance Working Group and the Working Group on Strengthening WHO Preparedness for and Response to Health Emergencies. GHC is engaged in ongoing advocacy relating to both workstreams. As a non-State actor in official relations with WHO, GHC will lead a delegation of members to follow the proceedings and make statements on relevant agenda items. Proceedings will be webcast live on this page.
Updated COVAX investment opportunity call for urgent funding for COVID-19 vaccination efforts
On January 19, world leaders called for urgent additional funding for vaccination in 2022 as a critical part of the ongoing fight against COVID-19. The Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (Gavi COVAX AMC) Investment Opportunity calls for at least $5.2 billion to “establish a Pandemic Vaccine Pool of a minimum of 600 million additional doses to address uncertainties and risks in the virus’ evolution, provide bundled finance to strengthen delivery systems in recipient countries, and cover essential ancillary costs.” This investment opportunity is part of the broader effort to support the continued work of the ACT-Accelerator, which aims to provide countries with access to all the lifesaving tools needed to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic – vaccines, tests, treatments and PPE.
CEPI pledges and replenishment announcement
On January 18, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust each pledged $150 million, for a total of $300 million, to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Launched in 2017, CEPI invests in vaccines to stop future epidemics. The pledges come in advance CEPI’s upcoming replenishment conference that will take place in the UK in March.
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