WHO member states extend talks on pandemic agreement
(MENAFN) Member states of the World health Organization (WHO) have unanimously agreed to extend discussions on the landmark pandemic agreement for another year, signaling a collective commitment to enhance global preparedness and response to future pandemics. The decision, reached during this year's World Health Assembly, grants the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) additional time to finalize the treaty aimed at combating pandemics effectively.
Established in December 2021, the INB will continue its mandate to draft the agreement and guide the negotiation process, with the goal of delivering the finalized treaty by the next World Health Assembly in 2025. However, efforts will be made to expedite the process, potentially convening a special session of the health assembly in 2024 to address the agreement sooner.
INB co-chair Precious Matsoso emphasized the unanimous consensus among member states regarding the necessity of a comprehensive instrument to enhance global pandemic response capabilities. This extension reflects the recognition of the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.
In addition to extending discussions on the pandemic agreement, this year's World Health Assembly also approved a series of amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). These amendments introduce a defined framework for identifying pandemic emergencies, facilitating more effective international collaboration and response mechanisms.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the significance of these amendments, emphasizing their role in strengthening countries' capacity to detect, respond, and coordinate efforts during outbreaks and pandemics. He underscored the complementary nature of the amendments to the IHR and the ongoing efforts to finalize the Pandemic Agreement, stressing the importance of preventing future health crises similar to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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