Representatives from various countries within the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) did not finalize a proposed international agreement to handle pandemics over the weekend. They will continue debating the document until the World Health Assembly begins on May 27. The W.H.O. has been pushing for a global “pandemic treaty” to allow the United Nations to address global health emergencies following its inadequate response to the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak. Member countries have been in disagreement over the provisions in the draft treaty, particularly regarding the W.H.O.’s authority to declare public health emergencies and the distribution of responsibilities for health services and resources.
Negotiators did not make the expected progress by the deadline but have committed to creating a workable pandemic treaty beyond the deadline. The draft treaty includes provisions for sharing medical technology and supplies, promoting technology transfer, and establishing a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network. However, some member countries have raised concerns about the impact on national sovereignty and internal health emergencies.
Discussions have been challenging, but the parties are determined to make the world safer from future pandemics. Opposition to the pandemic accord has arisen in countries like the UK and the US, where lawmakers are concerned about sovereignty and the implications of the treaty. Despite criticism, W.H.O. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus maintains that the accord will strengthen national sovereignty and responsibility. Meanwhile, efforts to finalize the treaty continue as the World Health Assembly approaches.
