Developed after over three years of negotiations under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), outlines the draft framework to strengthen international cooperation, justice and resilience in the light of future global health threats.
“The world’s nations created history in Geneva today“Said WHO HERFORY Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“By reaching agreement on the pandemic agreement, they not only introduced a generational agreement to make the world safer. They have also demonstrated that multilateralism is alive and good, and that nations in our divided world can still work together to find common ground and a common response to shared threats.“
‘A health’ approach
Negotiations began in December 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, as the WHO Member States agreed on the urgent need for a legally binding international instrument and established the intergovernmental negotiating organ (inb).
The process involved 13 formal rounds of negotiations, many of which were expanded to the early hours, culminating with Wednesday’s consensus after a last session overnight.
The most important elements of the proposed agreement include an obligation to a “one health” approach to pandemic prevention, stronger national health systems, the creation of a coordinating economic mechanism and the creation of a globally coordinated supply chain and logistics networks for health emergencies.
The draft also proposes a new pathogenic access and distribution system for benefit, increased support for technology and knowledge transfer, as well as capacity building and outlines a skilled, trained and interdisciplinary national and global health worker.
National sovereignty maintained
The text confirms further national sovereignty in decisions on public health. It explicitly says that nothing in the agreement gives who the authority to mandate for health measures such as lockdowns, vaccination campaigns or border endings.
The draft will now be submitted for treatment to the 78th World Health Assembly – the UN Highest Forum for Global Health – which will begin on May 19. If adopted, it will be subject to the ratification of individual nations.
According to media reports, the United States did not attend the last round of negotiations after his announcement of January to withdraw from the global health organ and would not be bound by the pact.
View of the final session for intergovernmental negotiating organ (inb).
A breakthrough for health justice
When talking at the end of the meeting, who praised who Director-General Tedros de negotiating teams and inb management for their endurance and common purpose.
“This achievement is not only a diplomatic success“He said.” It reflects your resilience, unity and unshakable commitment to human health and well -being everywhere. “
Inb co-chair Precious Matsoso from South Africa called the result a breakthrough for health justice.
“The negotiations have at times been difficult and long -lasting. But This monumental effort has been maintained by the common understanding that viruses do not respect boundaries – that no one is safe against pandemics before everyone is safe“She said.
Co-chairman Anne-Claire Amprou of France added that the agreement lays the basis for a stronger, fairer global health security architecture.
“This is a historical agreement on health security, equity and international solidarity,” she said.
To learn from Covid-19 who look at the future
The agreement arises in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic that exposed critical vulnerabilities to global health systems and sharp inequalities in access to diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. The virus claimed nearly seven million lives around the world, seriously disturbed economies, and overwhelmed healthcare all over the globe.
At the same time, the pandemic triggered the largest vaccination campaign in history with over 13.3 billion doses administered globally by April 2023.
Looking ahead, Tedros emphasized the long -term meaning of the agreement.
“The importance of this agreement goes beyond our current challenges,” he said.
“It is important for future generations – for our children and grandchildren. By building a strong framework for pandemic readiness and response, we ensure that they inherit a safer and healthier world.“
