As Governments Fail To Honour Commitments
The tenth round of negotiations on a pandemic agreement began on July 16 and 17, marking another milestone in the prolonged and arduous process. Despite setting their own deadline to conclude the agreement before the World Health Assembly meeting in May, governments failed to meet their commitment, raising concerns about their ability to work together effectively.
LACK OF EQUITY
Prior to the July WHO meeting, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) hosted a webinar on May 30, 2024, to discuss the Pandemic Agreement, which has been criticised for lacking equity and transparency.
Speakers from around the world, including Dr. Jorge Saavedra, Michael Weinstein, and Loretta Wong expressed concerns that the agreement favoured wealthy countries and pharmaceutical companies, leaving developing countries behind.
The agreement’s draft offered only 20% of medications and vaccines to developing countries, with 10% donated and 10% at a cost. Speakers argued that this was insufficient and that equity and financing were key issues preventing an agreement.
The webinar emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and equity in the Pandemic Agreement, with speakers calling for a more progressive policy that serves the needs of everyone. They also highlighted the importance of learning from past experiences, such as the success in the global response to HIV/AIDS, and ensuring that all nations have access to life-saving materials.
The world can not afford to wait for papers to be signed in Geneva while new pandemic threats emerge.
BROKEN PROMISE
This broken promise is a stark reminder of the challenges that have plagued the negotiations from the start.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in global health governance, prompting World Health Organisation (WHO) member states to embark on a journey to revamp international law on disease outbreaks. However, the slow pace of progress and repeated missed deadlines have cast a shadow over the talks.
The July 16 to 17 WHO meeting turned a new leaf. The world is grappling with the spread of H5N1 avian influenza and other health threats, the need for a robust pandemic agreement has never been more pressing.
Yet, governments seem to be struggling to turn their commitments into concrete action. The resumed talks offer a glimmer of hope, but it remains to be seen whether governments will finally deliver on their promises.
The near-complete breakdown of international cooperation during the COVID-19 crisis prompted WHO member states to decide to revamp international law on disease outbreaks.
CONVERGENCE
Despite challenges, WHO member states have found ways to reach agreement on important issues, including intellectual property and financing.
DIVISIONS REMAIN
Most of the thorny, unresolved issues concern access to and control of health products, including technology transfer obligations, innovation investments, and pathogen access and benefit-sharing.
NEXT STEPS
The talks will focus on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB)’s process and methods of work, including changes to its leadership group, and resolving technically complex and politically contentious issues.
INB is a group of representatives from World Health Organisation (WHO) member states that are responsible for negotiating a pandemic agreement, also known as a pandemic treaty or accord. The INB was established by the WHO to facilitate the development of a new international agreement that aims to strengthen global preparedness and response to pandemics.
The INB is responsible for negotiating the contents of the pandemic agreement. It is responsible for reaching consensus among WHO member states on the agreement’s provisions.
The IBN must ensure that the agreement is equitable, effective, and responsive to the needs of all countries. The INB’s work is crucial in shaping the global response to pandemics and ensuring that the world is better prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to future pandemics.
● Feedback: [email protected]
