GENEVA: The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed concerns that the ongoing negotiations for a global pandemic preparedness agreement may falter, potentially leaving the world unprepared for future health crises.
Speaking at the WHO’s executive board meeting in Geneva, Tedros warned that failure to secure the agreement by the May 2024 annual meeting of the World Health Assembly could have far-reaching consequences.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 194 member states of the WHO have been engaged in discussions to establish an international accord aimed at enhancing countries’ readiness to tackle and prevent future health catastrophes. The initial plan was to finalize the agreement during the 2024 World Health Assembly scheduled for May 27.
However, Tedros emphasized that time is running out, and without flexibility from all parties involved, the entire project risks collapsing. He reminded member states of the commitment made by world leaders at the UN General Assembly to conclude negotiations on the pandemic accord and amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) by May this year.
Expressing his concern, Tedros stated, “I must say I’m concerned that member states may not meet that commitment. Time is very short. And there are several outstanding issues that remain to be resolved.”
WHO Warns “Future Generations May Not Forgive Us”
The WHO chief underscored the potential magnitude of failing to reach an agreement, asserting that it would be “a missed opportunity for which future generations may not forgive us.” He called for courage and compromise, urging member states to work urgently and purposefully to achieve consensus on a robust agreement that would safeguard future generations from pandemics.
The negotiations for the new international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response were initiated in December 2021, with the aim of ensuring better global preparedness and a more equitable response to future pandemics. The proposed accord is viewed as crucial in light of the global disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tedros had previously declared an end to Covid-19 as an international public health emergency in May 2023. The WHO’s governance involves collaboration between the director-general, the World Health Assembly, and the executive board.
