The World Health Organization (WHO) member states have unanimously decided to extend the negotiations for the pandemic agreement by an additional year. This extension allows more time to finalize a landmark treaty aimed at combating future pandemics and enhancing global preparedness.
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), established in December 2021, will continue its mandate to deliver the agreement by the next World Health Assembly in 2025, or potentially earlier if progress permits during a special session 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,\" stated INB co-chair Precious Matsoso.
In addition to extending the pandemic agreement talks, this year's World Health Assembly approved amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). These amendments introduce a definition of a pandemic emergency, aiming to trigger more effective international collaboration in responding to potential pandemics.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the strengthened International Health Regulations will enhance countries' ability to detect and respond to future outbreaks. \"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,\" he added.
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WHO member states extend pandemic agreement negotiations one more year
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