The World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), adopted the global pandemic agreement. The "pandemic agreement" proposes the establishment of a series of new platforms and mechanisms aimed at comprehensively reforming the existing systems for pandemic surveillance, prevention, and response. In light of the recent development, how are nations making significant strides in investing in national capacities for evidence-based decision-making and improving the health of women, children, and adolescents? Thami Ngubeni spoke to Dr Mebratu Massebo, chief of staff, Ministry of Health of Ethiopia