Latest Draft of the WHO Pandemic Agreement: An Overview

Introduction

The World Health Organization's (WHO) Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) has produced another draft of the Pandemic Agreement, set to be voted on in late May. The document, while more vague than its predecessor, outlines additional activities to be funded, raising concerns about the speed and thoroughness of the review process.

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body and the Pandemic Agreement

Since December 2021, the INB has been working on the Pandemic Agreement under the WHO Constitution. The agreement aims to establish a global framework for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Despite initially setting a deadline of 29 March 2024 for a consensus text, the INB failed to meet this timeline. However, the WHO still plans to put the agreement to a vote at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) starting on 27 May.

The Latest Draft and the INB Meeting

The most recent draft, proposed by the INB Bureau and dated 22 April 2024, was submitted for negotiations at the 9th INB meeting from 29 April to 10 May. Despite the meeting's conclusion, a final text was not reached. Instead, negotiations will continue until the WHA session, raising concerns about the public's right to be informed about the laws to be made.

Key Changes in the Latest Draft

The latest draft includes references to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, and "indigenous people" in the Preamble. It also introduces the phrase "health systems recovery" and includes several new proposals. Some of the notable new proposals include the definition of "pandemic-related health products," the establishment of a "One Health instrument" by 31 May 2026, and the creation of a "global health emergency workforce."

Concerns and Implications

While some of the new proposals are welcome, others raise concerns. The creation of a "global health emergency workforce," for example, could lead to considerable expenses and bureaucratic challenges. The draft also includes vague language and broad definitions that may be inappropriate for a legally binding agreement. Furthermore, the draft's emphasis on "sustainable and predictable financing" could potentially lead to conflicts of interest, particularly with private sector involvement.

Conclusion

The latest draft of the Pandemic Agreement raises several concerns, particularly regarding its speed, thoroughness, and potential for conflicts of interest. As the WHO prepares to put the agreement to a vote, it is crucial for the public to be informed and engaged in the process.

What are your thoughts on the latest draft of the Pandemic Agreement? Do you believe it adequately addresses the challenges of pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response? Share your thoughts and engage in the discussion. And remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which takes place every day at 6pm.