The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Saturday its intention to conclude talks aimed at establishing a global treaty to enhance pandemic response efforts by 2025, with the possibility of finalization even sooner.
For the past two years, the WHO’s 194 member states have been engaged in negotiations to develop an agreement that would bolster international collaboration in combating pandemics, particularly in light of the recognized shortcomings during the COVID-19 crisis.
Originally slated for completion this week, discussions have been prolonged due to significant divisions between wealthier and less affluent nations, particularly regarding issues such as equitable vaccine distribution and pandemic preparedness.
Despite these challenges, countries have reached a parallel agreement to update the existing International Health Regulations (IHR), introducing a new designation of “pandemic emergency” to address the most severe and globally impactful health emergencies.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the decisions as historic, emphasizing the shared commitment among member states to safeguard global health security. “With this agreement, we take steps to hold countries accountable and strengthen measures to stop outbreaks before they threaten Americans and our security,” said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on Saturday.
These revisions to the global health regulations aim to fortify the world’s defenses against emerging pathogens, following the devastating toll of COVID-19, which claimed the lives of over 7 million individuals, according to WHO statistics.
