In our interconnected world, pandemics pose significant challenges to global health. As patient advocates, we’ve seen the devastating impact firsthand. Therefore, in a significant development aimed at strengthening global pandemic preparedness, WHO Member States have agreed to resume negotiations aimed at finalizing the world’s first pandemic agreement. This decision follows two weeks of intensive discussions focused on critical issues to ensure all countries are better prepared to respond to future pandemics effectively and equitably. The decision to resume negotiations on the world’s first pandemic agreement is crucial for strengthening preparedness and response.
The pandemic agreement, a historic initiative spearheaded by WHO, seeks to enhance global cooperation and solidarity in pandemic response efforts. With the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, Member States are committed to finding common ground and reaching a consensus on key aspects of the agreement.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of the pandemic agreement in protecting future generations from the suffering endured during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed gratitude to Member States for their dedication to finalizing this groundbreaking agreement in time for the upcoming World Health Assembly.
Next month’s resumption of negotiations will be a critical milestone leading up to the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, where the proposed text of the pandemic agreement is scheduled for adoption. The agreement aims to prepare the world for preventing and responding to future pandemics, guided by principles of consensus, solidarity, and equity.
As patient advocates, we recognize the significance of this initiative in safeguarding public health and ensuring equitable access to pandemic response measures. We urge Member States to prioritize the negotiations and work towards reaching an agreement that will make the world healthier, fairer, and safer from pandemics.
For more information and updates on the pandemic agreement negotiations, please visit the official WHO news release here.