As negotiations for a crucial pandemic accord approach a looming deadline this month, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has called upon countries to expedite their efforts in reaching an agreement to bolster global defenses against future pandemics, as reported by Reuters.
The proposed pact, along with several updates to existing pandemic protocols, aims to enhance the world’s preparedness against emerging pathogens following the devastating toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed millions of lives. With negotiations slated to conclude on May 10 and adoption expected at the WHO’s upcoming annual assembly, significant disparities still persist among involved parties.
Addressing delegates at a meeting in Geneva, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged nations to prioritize the safety of their populations by swiftly reaching a consensus. He appealed to those nations with reservations about the proposed text to refrain from obstructing the consensus-building process among the WHO’s 194 member states.
A key point of contention revolves around equitable distribution of medicines and vaccines, particularly between affluent nations and developing economies, aiming to rectify the disparities witnessed during the COVID-19 crisis.
The proposed pandemic accord, if ratified, would mark a significant milestone, representing the first legally binding treaty since the WHO’s inception 75 years ago, akin to the landmark tobacco control treaty established in 2003.
