Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund, discusses lessons from COVID-19 and the urgent need to strengthen pandemic preparedness worldwide. She highlights the Fund’s mission to support over 75 countries with investments in surveillance, laboratories, and workforce training, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Basu underscores the importance of the One Health approach, recognizing the links between human, animal, and environmental health. She shares success stories from projects in India, Rwanda, and the Caribbean, and emphasizes how technology, digital tools, and international collaboration are reshaping public health. Her call to action: sustained investment to build resilient health systems.

Title – Can the World Ever Be Truly Ready for the Next Pandemic? Priya Basu, Executive at The Pandemic Fund

Key Timestamps:

• {00:00} Introduction to the Pandemic Fund and Priya Basu
• {02:57} The Need for Pandemic Preparedness
• {06:14} Operational Challenges in Pandemic Response
• {11:47} Country-Driven Approaches to Health Security
• {14:29} Lessons from COVID-19 and Future Preparedness
• {17:14} Successful Projects and Challenges Faced
• {23:59} The Role of Technology in Future Pandemics
• {27:00} Public Health Awareness and Community Engagement

Key Takeaways:

• COVID-19 exposed the world’s lack of preparedness for pandemics.
• The Pandemic Fund aims to strengthen health systems in low-income countries.
• Surge capacity is essential for effective pandemic response.
• Countries must take ownership of their health security plans.
• Collaboration across countries is vital for pandemic preparedness.
• Investments in health security are cost-effective compared to the costs of pandemics.
• A multi-sectoral approach is necessary for effective health interventions.
• AI and technology can enhance data gathering and response coordination.
• Successful projects demonstrate the impact of the Pandemic Fund’s investments.
• Building resilient public health systems is crucial for future preparedness.

Guest Bio – Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund

Priya Basu is a global health and development finance leader with nearly 30 years of experience driving pandemic preparedness, health systems strengthening, and innovative finance. As the founding Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund at the World Bank, she mobilized $3B in seed capital and catalyzed over $6B in co-financing for 75+ countries. Previously, she led global initiatives at the World Bank, IMF, ADB, and UN, shaping landmark health financing mechanisms and advancing inclusive growth across regions.

Connect with Priya Basu on LinkedIn

About the Host – Roy Bejarano, Co-founder & CEO at SCALE Healthcare

Roy Bejarano is Co-Founder & CEO of SCALE Healthcare, the nation’s top healthcare consulting firm. As host of Analyzing Healthcare, Roy interviews leading executives, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of healthcare strategy, MSO leadership, and system transformation.

Connect with Roy Bejarano on LinkedIn

Keywords:

Pandemic Fund, Priya Basu, COVID-19, pandemic preparedness, health security, global health, surveillance, workforce training, international collaboration, One Health, healthcare innovation, Healthcare Podcast, Healthcare Trends, Healthcare Strategies, Thought Leaders, Industry Insights, Healthcare Governance, Leadership, MSO Strategy, Value-based Care, Healthcare Trends and Innovations, Leading Healthcare Stakeholders, Healthcare Industry Insights, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Strategy, Healthcare Thought Leadership, Scale Healthcare, Roy Bejarano, Scale Community, Jason Schifman