How can WHO fight pandemics in the future?

2023-05-24 14:47:00, Shëndeti CNA

Negotiations are underway and plans are being made by the World Health Organization (WHO) on how to deal with pandemics, should there ever be one in the future.

On May 24, 2024, it is expected that a legally binding agreement will be reached, which must be approved by the 194 member countries of the organization.

For WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, a new pact is the priority now, adding that "we must all have a generational commitment so that we do not return to the old cycle of panic and neglect," at the annual assembly of the UN agency.

This sought-after pact is intended to support and empower organizations and defense forces around the world in the fight against potential pathogens after the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed nearly 7 million people worldwide.

What is this pandemic treaty?

The WHO already has binding rules known as the International Health Regulations, which since 2005 have defined obligations for countries where public health events have the potential to cross borders. These include WHO's immediate health emergency advisory and trade and travel measures.

These regulations, which were adopted during the SARS virus outbreak in 2002-2003, are currently seen as adequate in the event of the spread of diseases such as Ebola, but insufficient for a global pandemic.

Following the spread of COVID-19, these regulations are being reviewed.

Member countries have decided that the new, more comprehensive pandemic treaty should be legally enforceable for those who sign up, overcoming early doubts from the United Nations.

Following the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a treaty that tries to discourage smoking through taxes and regulations on labeling and advertising, this pandemic treaty would be the second health pact of its kind.

However, the treaty has drawn criticism on social media, mainly from right-wing opponents who worry it could result in a transfer of power from states to the WHO.

The organization disputes this, stressing that governments are in charge of discussions and have the right to reject the agreement.

How would it work?

It is not yet clear how the 2005 regulations and the new pandemic deal might fit together.

However, it is suggested that they should be complementary, so that the existing rules apply to local spread with the new rules kicking in if the WHO declares a pandemic - something it currently has no mandate to do.

Also, it is not yet clear what happens if the measures are not respected. A co-chair of the talks said it would be preferable to have a peer review process, rather than sanctioning states that disagree.

What other reforms are in the process?

A total of 300 amendments have been proposed by nations in separate discussions on reforming the 2005 guidelines.

Initial suggestions from Washington called for transparency and to provide the WHO with faster access to epidemic areas.

However, the WHO claims that Beijing is still withholding clinical data from early cases that may include clues to the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. China allowed expert teams led by the WHO to visit the epicenter of COVID-19 in Wuhan./ Rel