KDCA and UNITAID Discuss Strengthening Cooperation on Pandemic Preparedness and Response

- KDCA and UNITAID co-hosted a side event on the occasion of the 2025 APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy.

- The discussion focused on strengthening pandemic preparedness and response, and equitable access to health innovation.

Osong, 17 September 2025 ━ The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) co-hosted a side event with UNITAID* under the theme of “Leveraging Innovation to Strengthen Global Health Security” at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on September 16.

* UNITAID is an international health organization under the World Health Organization (WHO), established in September 2006, dedicated to improving access to medical supplies and supporting pandemic preparedness and response.

With growing global health threats, the advancement of AI-based predictive analytics, digital surveillance, and risk management systems has become critical. Against this backdrop, anchored in the APEC 2025 theme of “Connect, Innovate and Prosper,” the event was held to highlight the importance of strengthening public health emergency response and driving innovation in global health security.

The side event began with opening remarks of KDCA Commissioner Dr. Seung-kwan Lim, followed by presentations of experts from APEC Member Economies and international organizations. Key topics discussed in depth included:

▲cooperation and experiences in pandemic preparedness and response, ▲improving access to health services, and ▲enhancing public-private partnerships.

Since UNITAID’s establishment, the Korean government has maintained close partnership, with KDCA contributing to governance by participating in strategy development, and setting of priorities in infectious disease initiatives.

In this regard, KDCA and UNITAID held a bilateral meeting to discuss key agenda items, including governance collaboration, and pandemic preparedness and response. Both sides explored ways to further strengthen cooperation mechanisms and chart future directions for global health security.

In addition, on the occasion of APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy, KDCA held bilateral meetings with the Regional Director of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), and the Executive Director of the STOP-TB Partnership*, to further strengthen international cooperation in the field of health security.

* The STOP-TB Partnership is an international organization that brings together governments, civil society, the private sector, and donors to accelerate efforts toward ending tuberculosis.

KDCA Commissioner Dr. Seung-kwan Lim stated, “Under rapidly changing global health environment, it is essential to explore and implement efficient and innovative solutions to swiftly and effectively respond to emerging pandemic threats.” He also added, “I hope today’s event will serve as an opportunity to bolster health security capacity within the APEC region, drive innovation for pandemic preparedness and response, and promote stronger public-private partnership.”

<Attachment> Overview of the KDCA-UNITAID Co-hosted Side Event