Joint Procurement Agreement for Medical Countermeasures: An Overview
In response to global health threats such as pandemics, bioterrorism, and emerging infectious diseases, governments worldwide have been ramping up their efforts to secure medical countermeasures (MCMs) such as vaccines, medicines, and medical devices. However, the procurement of MCMs can be complex, costly, and time-consuming, especially in times of crisis. One solution to this challenge is the joint procurement agreement (JPA), which allows multiple countries to pool their resources and negotiate collectively with suppliers of MCMs.
What is a Joint Procurement Agreement?
A JPA is a legal instrument that enables two or more entities, usually public authorities, to jointly procure goods and services, including MCMs. JPAs can be established at different levels, from regional to global, and can involve various stakeholders, including governments, donor agencies, and international organizations. The main objective of a JPA is to achieve economies of scale, reduce transaction costs, and improve access to quality and affordable products for all parties involved. In the context of MCMs, JPAs can also promote research and development of new technologies, enhance regulatory harmonization, and ensure equitable distribution of scarce resources.
Examples of Joint Procurement Agreements for MCMs
Several JPAs have been established in recent years to address the growing demand for MCMs and the need for more coordinated and efficient procurement processes. Here are some examples:
1. European Joint Procurement Initiative (EU JPI)
The EU JPI is a collaboration between several European countries and the European Commission to coordinate and accelerate the development, production, and procurement of MCMs. It focuses on four priority areas: antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases, vaccines, and preparedness and response. The EU JPI works closely with industry, academia, and civil society to foster innovation and address unmet medical needs.
2. COVAX Facility
The COVAX Facility is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of their income level. The COVAX Facility operates on the principle of pooled procurement, where multiple countries join forces to negotiate with vaccine manufacturers and share the risk of vaccine development and supply. The COVAX Facility aims to deliver at least 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021.
3. African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
The Africa CDC is a specialized agency of the African Union (AU) that supports member states in preventing, detecting, and responding to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. The Africa CDC has established a JPA for MCMs in collaboration with the AU Commission, the Africa Union Development Agency, and other partners. The JPA aims to leverage the purchasing power of African countries and reduce their dependence on external sources of MCMs. The Africa CDC also provides technical assistance and capacity-building support to member states to enhance their procurement and supply chain management systems.
Benefits and Challenges of Joint Procurement Agreements
JPAs have several advantages for both buyers and suppliers of MCMs. For buyers, JPAs can result in lower prices, better quality, and faster delivery of MCMs, as well as increased transparency and accountability in procurement processes. For suppliers, JPAs can offer a larger market, reduced administrative burden, and improved predictability of demand. JPAs can also stimulate innovation and competition among suppliers, leading to better and more affordable MCMs.
However, JPAs also face some challenges, such as legal and regulatory barriers, coordination and communication issues, and divergent national interests and priorities. The success of JPAs depends on several factors, including strong political commitment, effective governance and leadership, clear objectives and criteria, and adequate funding and resources.
Conclusion
Joint procurement agreements for medical countermeasures are a promising approach to address the complex and urgent challenges of securing and delivering MCMs to populations in need. JPAs can harness the collective power of multiple countries and stakeholders to negotiate better deals, improve access to health technologies, and enhance global health security. By leveraging their purchasing power, governments can ensure that MCMs are available and affordable for everyone, regardless of their location or income.