WHO Chief Remains Hopeful for Global Pandemic Treaty Amidst Ongoing Negotiations
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed confidence on Monday that countries will eventually reach an agreement on a global pandemic treaty, despite recent setbacks in negotiations.
Addressing the 77th World Health Assembly, Dr. Tedros acknowledged the challenges faced during the talks but remained optimistic about the outcome. “We all wish that we had been able to reach a consensus on the agreement in time for this Health Assembly and cross the finish line,” he stated. “I remain confident that you still will, because where there is a will, there is a way. I know that there remains among you a common will to get this done.”
The negotiations, which have been underway for more than two years, aim to establish new rules for responding to global pandemics following the devastating impact of COVID-19, which claimed millions of lives worldwide. However, discussions have been characterized by lengthy debates, last-minute shifts in positions, and concerns from some parties that the treaty might undermine national sovereignty—a claim the WHO has strongly denied.
Despite the failure to produce a draft deal by the Friday deadline for formal approval during this week’s assembly, health officials remain hopeful. Negotiators are reportedly close to reaching an agreement on updating existing health regulations, including implementing a new tiered system of alerts. This move comes in response to criticism that the WHO was too slow to declare a global emergency during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The 77th World Health Assembly brings together ministers and health officials from the WHO’s 194 member states. The assembly continues this week, with the hope that continued dialogue and cooperation will lead to a breakthrough in the treaty negotiations.
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WHO chief Tedros 'confident' of eventual pandemic treaty deal
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