In a significant move to enhance global health security, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to extend negotiations on a landmark pandemic agreement by one more year.
The decision, announced on Saturday, allows additional time to finalize a treaty aimed at combating future pandemics and improving preparedness worldwide. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), established in December 2021 to draft the agreement and guide negotiations, will continue its mandate with the goal of delivering the agreement by the next World Health Assembly in 2025, or earlier if possible at a special session in 2024.
INB co-chair Precious Matsoso highlighted the unity among member states, stating, “There was a clear consensus amongst all member states on the need for a further instrument to help the world better fight a full-blown pandemic.”
This year’s World Health Assembly also approved a package of amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). These amendments introduce a definition of a pandemic emergency to trigger more effective international collaboration in response to potential pandemics.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the amendments will strengthen countries’ abilities to detect and respond to future outbreaks. By enhancing national capacities and coordination on disease surveillance, information sharing, and response, member states aim to bolster global health security.
“Today’s strengthening of the IHR provides powerful momentum to complete the pandemic agreement, which, once finalized, can help to prevent a repeat of the devastation to health, societies, and economies caused by COVID-19,” Dr. Tedros added.
The extended negotiation period reflects a commitment to creating a comprehensive framework that ensures all nations are better prepared for future health crises. The anticipated pandemic agreement is expected to foster international cooperation and safeguard public health and economies worldwide.
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WHO member states extend pandemic agreement negotiations one more year
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