COVID-19 has greatly disrupted our supply chains. The measures to contain the pandemic have triggered unprecedented measures by national governments that have caused local and global trade disruptions. This has threatened our supply chain not only for the management of COVID-19 itself, but also for all the other essential commodities that we need to maintain the health of our populations.

In low and middle income countries, where these supply chains are already fragile at the best of times, this disruption has made a bad situation even worse. This has led to shortages and price hikes, and could also trigger an epidemic of counterfeit medicines. Our speakers today will address these issues and report on what is already being done and what action is needed as we move forward.