We are honored to share that our Financing Alliance for Health (FAH) CEO, Dr. Angela Gichaga has been nominated to serve as the Global South Civil Society Organizations Principal Representative, a voting member on the Governing Board of the Pandemic Fund.
This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing inclusive, resilient, and well-financed health systems in Africa and across the Global South. The Pandemic Fund, a ~US$ 3 billion multilateral financing mechanism hosted by the World Bank and technically supported by the WHO, is a vital global response mechanism to the urgent need for sustainable pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR). Since its establishment in 2022, it has played a crucial role in strengthening capacities for surveillance, diagnostics, and health workforce development in low- and middle-income countries.
The Governing Board is the supreme governing body of the Pandemic Fund. The Governing Board, comprising of 21 voting members, reflects an equal balance of sovereign “contributors” (donors) and sovereign “co-investors” (countries that could receive funding), includes a voting seat for non-sovereign contributors (philanthropies/foundations) and two voting seats for civil society organizations (CSOs). These civil society seats are essential in championing transparency, equity, and community-driven priorities within global pandemic governance.
FAH’s Role and Commitment
As a nominated Global South Board Member, FAH will represent the voices of civil society organizations working on the frontlines of pandemic preparedness in low- and middle-income countries. Our role will include:
- Shaping strategic priorities of the Fund, including reviewing and approving funding proposals that directly impact pandemic readiness in vulnerable regions.
- Championing equity and accountability, ensuring resources are used effectively and reflect the needs of communities most affected by pandemics.
- Engaging civil society voices, by consulting with regional networks and keeping the broader civil society constituency informed and engaged throughout Board discussions and decisions.
This nomination is a recognition of FAH’s longstanding work across Africa in health financing, technical assistance to Ministries of Health and Ministries of Finance, as well as strengthening primary and community health systems all of which are foundational pillars for pandemic resilience. Our selection also reflects a growing acknowledgment that civil society, especially from the Global South, must have a seat at the table when decisions about global health investments are made.
A Milestone for Global South Leadership
In a time when global health threats are increasingly complex and transboundary, the representation of Global South perspectives in global governance platforms like the Pandemic Fund is not just symbolic – it’s essential. FAH is committed to bringing a principled, grounded, and action-oriented approach to this role, grounded in our deep partnerships with governments, communities, and health workers on the frontlines. We are grateful to the civil society selection panel and the broader community for this nomination. As we move forward, we invite continued engagement from partners and networks as we help co- shape a pandemic financing architecture that is inclusive, anticipatory, and truly global.
Stay tuned as we begin this important journey and thank you for standing with us in the pursuit of stronger, fairer health systems for all.
Read more about the Pandemic Fund
