WHO member states extend pandemic agreement negotiations for another year
Health & Science
By
Xinhua
| Jun 02, 2024
Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) agreed on Saturday to extend the talks over the pandemic agreement for another year, allowing for more time needed to finalize the landmark treaty to combat future pandemics and enhance preparedness.
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which was established in December 2021 to draft the agreement and guide the negotiation process, will continue its mandate to deliver the agreement by the next World Health Assembly in 2025, or earlier, if possible, at a special session of the health assembly in 2024.
"There was a clear consensus amongst all Member States on the need for a further instrument to help the world better fight a full-blown pandemic," said INB co-chair Precious Matsoso.
This year's World Health Assembly also agreed on a package of amendments to another international instrument, the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), introducing a definition of a pandemic emergency to trigger more effective international collaboration in response to a potential pandemic.
The amendments will bolster countries' ability to detect and respond to future outbreaks and pandemics by strengthening their own national capacities, and coordination between member states, on disease surveillance, information sharing and response, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
READ MORE
Ongoing labour unrests are early signs of an economy that's about to collapse
Trailers and weighbridges: The untold story
KTDA moves to restore order in tea bonus declarations
Madagascar tycoon to buy Zuku parent firm Wananchi Group
How container cash deposits are creating a problem for Kenyan traders
Gold rush: How illegal gallbladder trade threatens Lake Victoria fishers
Real estate posts high productivity as challenges hit wholesale, retail sectors
Agencies in fresh plan to market Kenyan coffee
AI-driven smart borders transform travel security
Fresh test for Ruto as IMF urges new tax policies to unlock loans
"Today's strengthening of the IHR provides powerful momentum to complete the Pandemic Agreement, which, once finalized, can help to prevent a repeat of the devastation to health, societies and economies caused by COVID-19," the WHO head added.
- University workers' unions reject CS Ogamba's return-to-work deal
- Nairobi's book bonanza: Upcoming shows set to reignite literary passion
- Parents resist order to register learners on Shif, want details
- Vybz Kartel sheds light on his health, freedom
- What you need to know about dairy goat farming