The World Health Organisation (WHO) member states have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a proposed pandemic agreement, aiming to fine-tune the draft before the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, scheduled to commence on May 27, 2024.

In discussions held at the World Health Organisation (WHO) headquarters in Geneva recently, governments resolved to resume hybrid and in-person talks in the coming weeks. The objective is to address key issues, including establishing a global system for pathogen access and benefit sharing, pandemic prevention strategies, and financial coordination to enhance countries’ pandemic preparedness and response capabilities.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, commended the unwavering dedication of WHO Member States in the more than two years of negotiations. "Throughout this process, WHO’s Member States have demonstrated steadfast commitment to crafting an agreement aimed at safeguarding the world from the devastation witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic," he stated.

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), led by Member States, has been driving this initiative for over two years. The INB Bureau, tasked with overseeing the process, will present its findings for consideration at the upcoming World Health Assembly.

Dr Precious Matsoso, Co-Chair of the INB Bureau from South Africa, noted substantial progress during the recent round of discussions. "We are witnessing a historic moment as nations unite to establish a binding pact aimed at protecting all global citizens," she remarked. "This pioneering process seeks to develop a comprehensive agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Ensuring its success requires meticulous attention to detail, and the INB Bureau remains committed to delivering a robust and enduring agreement."

Mr Roland Driece, Co-Chair of the INB Bureau from the Netherlands, emphasised the urgency of the endeavour initiated two years ago. "The unprecedented global emergency triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic spurred nations to embark on this ambitious endeavour," he explained. "While negotiations have presented challenges, there is unanimous agreement that the world must bolster its readiness for future pandemics. The inevitability of future outbreaks necessitates seizing this historic opportunity to enhance global resilience."

In March 2021, leaders from two dozen countries issued a statement advocating for collaborative global efforts to address pandemics. Subsequently, in December 2021, WHO Member States launched a global process to draft and negotiate a legally binding instrument aimed at strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.