Why are regional networks critical to the global pandemic response?
Regional trade blocks promote regional integration through trade and investment and are considered a key vehicle through which to address economic, social and security concerns. Among them are the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Greater Mekong Sub-region, The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the African Union. In order for regional development efforts to successfully reduce poverty and support development, they also need to promote resilience to the drivers of emerging infectious diseases. These drives include cross-border trade, mobility and migration of humans and animals, livestock production systems, population density, viral adaptation, and ecological shifts as a result of climate change. These drivers facilitate the rapid spread of diseases in and between animals and humans, threatening the health and livelihoods of poor people, and raisin
