Pandemic Agreement Negotiations to Resume: WHO Member States Make Progress

Revived Negotiations for Global Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Geneva, March 28, 2024 - Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to resume negotiations aimed at finalizing the world's first pandemic agreement. The decision came during the recent Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) meeting, which concluded on March 27.

Critical Milestone Ahead of World Health Assembly

The upcoming resumption of INB9 in May 2024 will mark a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance global pandemic preparedness and response. The negotiations will pave the way for the adoption of the pandemic agreement at the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, which is scheduled to commence on May 27.

One Health Approach for Effective Pandemic Management

The agreement will focus on adopting a comprehensive One Health approach to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental health, and aims to address the root causes of pandemics.

WHO Optimistic about Pandemic Agreement

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed confidence that countries will eventually reach a consensus on the pandemic agreement. He stated, "This agreement is vital for the world to be better prepared for future pandemics and to prevent the devastating impact they can have on our societies."