On May 28, 2024, the World Health Assembly (WHA) recognized significant progress made by Member States over the past two years in developing a pandemic agreement and strengthening the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005). Governments are convening in Geneva for the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly to advance these efforts, aimed at enhancing global preparedness and response to future pandemics.
The WHO Member States agreed to continue their work until the conclusion of the World Health Assembly on June 1. Their goals include finalizing amendments to the IHR (2005) and agreeing on the timing, format, and process to conclude the pandemic agreement.
During the session, the WHA reviewed agenda item 13.4, which focused on the draft pandemic agreement. Delegates recognized the extensive work done by the Member State-led Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) and the Bureau steering the efforts since the process began in December 2021. The aim is to create the world’s first pandemic accord to prevent the severe health, economic, and social impacts experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Member States emphasized the necessity of a pandemic agreement rooted in equity, sovereignty, prevention, preparedness, and response to protect future generations from the threat of inevitable future pandemics.
The WHA delegates also considered agenda item 13.3, which detailed the work undertaken to negotiate amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). This effort builds on lessons learned from the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Member States underscored the importance of updated and stronger International Health Regulations for ensuring global health security.
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