Establishing the value of regional cooperation and a critical role for regional organizations in managing future health emergencies

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the failures of global multilateral cooperation to respond and adapt whilst observing the principles of solidarity and equity. It has raised the question of whether the global architecture for health emergencies is fit-for-purpose and revealed the need for reform. Amidst proposals to reform this architecture, we consider the potential value of regional cooperation and the role regional organizations might play in delivering effective and equitable solutions to the challenges posed by health emergencies. Drawing on our multidisciplinary perspectives and diverse experience of geographic regions, we conducted a narrative review and present our key findings in four sections that explore the value of regional cooperation, the role of regional organizations, where they may have the greatest impact, and the major factors affecting regional cooperation and regional organizations in managing public health emergencies. As the COVID-19 pandemic reshapes our approach to health emergencies, leveraging and integrating the capabilities of regional organizations will be crucial to enhance preparedness and response efforts globally.