Global Pandemic Agreement Negotiations: Securing Future Health

Scheduled from April 29 to May 10, negotiations for the world's first pandemic agreement follow two weeks of intensive discussions during the ninth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB9) in Geneva. Led by government negotiators, the talks focus on crucial aspects such as financing, equitable access to medical resources, and strengthening the global health workforce. These negotiations are anticipated to yield significant outcomes for global health security, fostering consensus, and solidarity in pandemic management.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized the agreement's significance in preparing future generations against pandemics, thanking Member States for their commitment.

“Our Member States are fully aware of how important the pandemic agreement is for protecting future generations from the suffering we endured through the COVID-19 pandemic. I thank them for their clear commitment to finding common ground and finalizing this historic agreement in time for the World Health Assembly,” said Ghebreyesus.

According to Statista, as of May 2, 2023, the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had affected nearly every country globally, resulting in a global death toll of over 6.86 million people. In Mexico, fatalities attributed to the disease were approaching 126,000 in May 2023. By December 19, 2023, recorded cases had surged to 7.7 million, with deaths numbering approximately 335,000.

The resumption of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body negotiations marks a crucial milestone ahead of the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, scheduled to commence on May 27, 2024. During this assembly, Member States will consider the proposed text of the historic pandemic agreement for adoption.

Roland Derice, Co-Chair, INB Bureau, stressed the urgency of reaching an agreement, stating that failure is not an option in making the world healthier, fairer, and safer from pandemics. “We are at the finishing line and we are committed to maximizing the remaining negotiations to reach the result the entire world needs,” said Derice.

Overall, the process has seen participation from various stakeholders, including other United Nations bodies, non-state actors, and the public with an aim to solidify a global commitment towards pandemic preparedness and response.