WHO Pushes for Finalization of Pandemic Agreement by May
The push follows the World Health Assembly's decision in December 2021 to establish the negotiating body after the COVID-19 crisis exposed gaps in global preparedness.
GENEVA— The World Health Organization's member states agreed Wednesday to resume negotiations next month aimed at finalizing a pandemic agreement, after two weeks of intensive discussions on key issues to better prepare the world for future health emergencies, writes Winston Mwale.
At the conclusion of the 9th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, governments decided talks will reconvene from April 29 to May 10 to try to reach consensus on a draft global pandemic accord before the annual World Health Assembly in late May.
"Our member states are fully aware of how important the pandemic agreement is for protecting future generations from the suffering we endured through the COVID-19 pandemic," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The proposed pandemic agreement would represent the world's first such legally binding accord.
Negotiators have been working through issues like equitable access to medical countermeasures, health workforce strengthening and adequate financing for preparedness.
Dr. Precious Matsoso, co-chair of the negotiating body's bureau, said there is "clear recognition" that the goal is preparing for and preventing future pandemics "built on consensus, solidarity and equity."
"These goals must remain our North Star as we move toward the finalization of this historic, pressing commitment for the world," Matsoso said.
Governments aim to put the final draft pandemic agreement text up for potential adoption at the 77th World Health Assembly starting May 27.
The push follows the World Health Assembly's decision in December 2021 to establish the negotiating body after the COVID-19 crisis exposed gaps in global preparedness.