Countries complete the historical pandemic agreement after three years of negotiations

Developed after three years of negotiations under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), The draft describes the framework for strengthening international cooperation, capital and resistance to the future of the future global health threat.

“The nations of the world today made history in Geneva” told Director General of the WHO Tedros Adhan Ghebresus.

“In achieving consensus on a pandemic agreement, not only did they give a generation agreement to make the world safer. They also showed that multilateralism is alive and healthy and that in our divided world can still work together to find the common ground and joint response to common threats.”

“One health” approach

Negotiations began in December 2021. At the height COVID 19 Pandemic, when Member States have agreed on urgent need for legally binding international instrument and establishment Intergovernmental negotiating body (INB).

The process included 13 formal negotiation circles, many of whom were expanded in the early hours, culminating in consensus on Wednesday after the final session overnight.

Key elements Proposed contract include commitment to “One health“Access to pandemic prevention, stronger national health systems, by setting up the coordination financial mechanism and the creation of a globally coordinated supply chain and logistics network for health situations.

The draft also proposes a new system for sharing pathogens and increased support for the transfer of technology and knowledge transfer, as well as capacity building and build skilled, trained and multidisciplinary national and global workforce.

National sovereignty supported

The text further confirms national sovereignty in public health decisions. He explicitly states that nothing in the Agreement shall give who the authority for the mandate of health measures such as locking, vaccination campaign or closing borders.

The draft will now be submitted for consideration to 78. World Health Assembly – The highest UN forum for global health – set to start 19. May. If adopted, they will be subject to ratification to individual nations.

According to media reports, the United States did not participate in the final circle of negotiations, after the January announcement to withdraw from the global health body and would not be related to the pact.

A breakthrough for health capital

Speaking of the conclusion of the meeting, the Director General of Tedros praised the negotiating teams and the leadership of INB for their persistence and joint purpose.

“This achievement is not just diplomatic success“He said.” It reflects your resistance, unity and unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of people everywhere. ”

Inb co-president of the precious Matsoso South Africa called the outcome of the breach of health capital.

“Negotiations were sometimes heavy and long lasting. But This monumental effort was held by a common understanding that viruses do not respect the limits – that no one is safe from the pandemic until everyone is sure“” She said.

The associate of the co-chairing Anne-Claire amprou from France added that the agreement sets the foundation for stronger, fairer world health security architecture.

“This is a historical health security agreement, capital and international solidarity,” she said.

Learning from Covid-19, looking into the future

The agreement appears after the Covid-19 pandemic, which has exhibited critical vulnerabilities in global health systems and distracts inequalities in access to diagnosis, treatments and vaccines. The virus claimed almost seven million lives around the worldSeverely disturbed economies and overflows health services around the world.

At the same time, the pandemic launched the largest vaccination campaign in history, with over 13.3 billion dose, which are on global work until 2023. years.

Looking in advance, Tedros stressed long-term significance in the agreement.

“The importance of this Agreement passes to our current challenges,” he said.

“It is vital for future generations – for our children and grandchildren. With the construction of a strong framework for the preparedness and response of the pandemic, we ensure that he succeeds the safer and healthier world.“