October 10, 2023 – In December 2021, the World Health Assembly, in its second special session, will introduce the Intergovernmental Bargaining Body (INB), which is tasked with drafting and negotiating constitutional treaties, conventions, and other international instruments. We have taken an important step by establishing . World Health Organization (WHO). This historic initiative aims to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness and response efforts. INB’s mission is firmly based on the principles of inclusiveness, transparency, efficiency, leadership and consensus among member states.
This historic initiative represents the unified commitment of WHO Member States to collaborate globally. The world’s past experience shows that facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic requires international cooperation that goes beyond isolationism and nationalism. The harsh reality is that no one is safe until everyone is safe. Recognizing this, the 194 Member States resolved to work together to develop new international instruments for pandemic preparedness and response.
This effort represents an important milestone in elevating pandemic preparedness to the highest political level. This envisaged agreement, rooted in the WHO’s constitution, has the potential to strengthen existing global health instruments, particularly the International Health Regulations. This will serve as a solid foundation on which to build and improve our collective pandemic response efforts.
One important aspect of this effort is to promote a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. This includes strengthening the capacity and resilience of countries, regions and the world at large to effectively fight future pandemics. Achieving this will require substantial international cooperation, including improved warning systems, data sharing mechanisms, research efforts, and the production and distribution of critical medical public health resources such as vaccines, diagnostics, and personal protective equipment. There is a possibility that
Additionally, the new agreement could recognize a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and planetary health. To materialize this vision, WHO supports the joint efforts of Member States and fosters the active engagement of relevant stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector.
As INB carries out its mission, the world must recognize that pandemic preparedness requires global leadership and health systems fit for this millennium. To turn this commitment into reality, we must be guided by the principles of solidarity, equity, transparency, inclusiveness and equity.
The Pandemic Preparedness Agreement: Its Origins and Development The Pandemic Preparedness Agreement is an important international initiative launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to strengthen global preparedness and response to the pandemic. Key points regarding its birth and development are listed below.
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International instruments: International agreements, such as treaties, framework agreements, and treaties, play an important role in addressing global challenges such as health crises, climate change, and security threats.
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International Health Regulations (2005): Based on the WHO Constitution, these regulations were established to prevent, protect against, and respond to the international spread of disease while minimizing disruption to international traffic and trade. .
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COVID-19 pandemic and its impact: The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a comprehensive international approach to pandemic preparedness and response. The loss of life, social disruption, and setbacks to development have led governments to seek lasting solutions.
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Focus on equity: At the heart of the proposed agreement is a commitment to ensure that all citizens have equal access to pandemic prevention tools, health care, and expertise.
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WHO Member States’ Agreements: WHO Member States have developed legally binding agreements, such as the WHO Constitution, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and the International Health Regulations, to promote global health and cooperation. I did.
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Establishment of an Intergovernmental Bargaining Body (INB): In December 2021, WHO’s 194 Member States decided to create an INB comprised of representatives from all regions. Its purpose is to draft and negotiate a new international instrument on pandemic preparedness and response under Article 19 of the WHO Charter.
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INB Work Stages: INB has gone through multiple work stages, including:
The first phase, from February to June 2022, will establish work procedures.
The second phase, from July 2022, will focus on potential elements of an agreement.
We will create a concept zero draft in December 2022, which will serve as a bridge between the working draft and the zero draft.
Agreement of member states that a zero draft will serve as the basis for negotiations, on which proposals and progress reports will be presented.
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Engagement and inclusiveness: The INB process actively engages Member States and stakeholders through written and oral input, regional consultations, intensive discussions, public hearings and regular briefings.
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Submission schedule: INB aims to submit the final product to the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024.
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Iterative approach: The INB has focused on continuous iteration of working documents, including conceptual zero drafts and zero drafts, with continued discussions to refine the content of the agreement.
The Pandemic Preparedness Agreement builds on the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and is an international initiative led by WHO Member States to strengthen global readiness and equity in pandemic responses. It’s an initiative. INB is playing a central role in drafting and negotiating this important agreement, aiming for a comprehensive and holistic approach to pandemic preparedness and response.