The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed optimism on Monday about the eventual agreement on a pandemic treaty. Despite the failure to reach a deal last week, Tedros remains hopeful that countries will come together to finalize the accord.
Negotiations among the WHO's 194 member states have been challenging, marred by lengthy discussions, last-minute shifts in positions, and criticism from some quarters that the treaty could undermine national sovereignty—a claim the WHO strongly denies.
With over two years of talks aimed at establishing new rules for pandemic response following the devastating impact of COVID-19, the WHO is pushing to conclude the negotiations during the May 27-June 1 World Health Assembly. While a draft deal was not finalized last Friday, Tedros emphasized his confidence in reaching an agreement.
\"Of course, we all wish that we had been able to reach a consensus on the agreement in time for this health assembly, and cross the finish line,\" Tedros stated in his opening address. He added, \"I remain confident that you still will, because where there is a will, there is a way. I know that there remains among you a common will to get this done.\"
The ongoing discussions include the development of a new tiered alert system in response to critiques that the WHO was too slow in declaring the COVID-19 emergency. While progress is being made, health officials caution that finalizing the treaty could take years.
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WHO chief Tedros 'confident' of eventual pandemic treaty deal
cgtn.com
