WHO Member States made considerable progress in February during the 13th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB). While familiar gaps remain on prevention and one health, technology transfer, and pathogen access and benefit sharing, Member States have made advances on these potentially transformative norms and mechanisms. We now urge WHO Member States to make full use of the intersessional period to reach consensus on the outstanding issues before formal negotiations resume in April.
With the adoption of a binding international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response – the first of its kind – WHO Member States will make history. The currently agreed provisions, including the principles of solidarity and equity, will redefine how countries combat pandemic threats, from rules to diversify production and strengthen research and development capacities to the creation of a new global supply chain and logistics network. Institutional structures like the Conference of the Parties will allow the agreement’s framework to grow and adapt to emerging science, while other mechanisms will support countries to implement and finance their commitments. Not every country will walk away from these negotiations having achieved everything they wanted, but this historic agreement provides a solid foundation for developing new norms, standards and guidelines that can benefit every country well into the future.
Pandemic threats are not waiting for negotiators to finish their work. After years of effort and with the 78th World Health Assembly fast approaching, the public expects Member States to deliver a strong pandemic agreement that will protect them from these threats.
The world is experiencing cascading crises in an era of populism, nationalism, and political turmoil. Adoption of an historic treaty at WHO will demonstrate the power and opportunity that comes from international cooperation and solidarity. Failure is not an option. The world would benefit for the long term from a pandemic agreement, and we encourage and count on Member States to deliver it by May.
Supported by:
The Panel for a Global Public Health Convention:
- Dame Barbara Stocking, Chair
- Angel Gurría
- Jane Halton
- Lawrence Gostin
- Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho
- Jemilah Mahmood
- Jorge Saavedra
The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response:
- The Right Honourable Helen Clark, Co-Chair
- HE Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Co-Chair