Systematic gap mapping and evidence syntheses to inform policy decisions on the role and impacts of plastics in health products for pandemic planning and response

Quinn Grundy, Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing; Mina Tadrous, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy; Gillian Parker, Dalla Lana School of Public Health

The global distribution of life-saving vaccines and health supplies were pivotal to the global COVID-19 pandemic response. To ready for future pandemics, global health systems are grappling with how to ensure equitable and sustainable access to these critical supplies. One consequence of relying on single-use and disposable supplies for infection control and prevention is the generation of tens of thousands of tonnes of excess medical plastic waste.1 In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly called for an internationally legally binding treaty on plastic pollution that addresses the life cycle of its design, production, and disposal.2 The World Health Organization (WHO), an observer to the treaty negotiations, seeks a balance between mitigating the harmful effects of plastics on the environment and human health while assuring equitable access to healthcare products. To support the development of WHO policy positions, a team of researchers and trainees will undertake work in collaboration with WHO staff to systematically map the available evidence on the role and impact of plastics in products necessary for pandemic readiness and response and will conduct in-depth evidence syntheses focused on plastics used in vaccine packaging and administration, and personal protective equipment. This project will culminate in a research agenda setting workshop with members of the Institute for Pandemics, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Governance, Transparency, and Accountability in the Pharmaceutical Sector and WHO staff, culminating in a Partnership Grant (SSHRC) or Project Grant (CIHR) proposal.