Global Pandemic Treaty Talks Extended After Deadline Passes

GENEVA – May 11, 2024 – Negotiations for a landmark global agreement on handling future pandemics have been extended for two weeks after missing the initial deadline on Friday. Image Source: Image Source: COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Published by: Dimphotsentle Pule

Driven by the scars of the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastation, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 194 member states embarked on a two-year effort to forge a binding agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The goal was to finalize the agreement before the WHO’s annual assembly convening on May 27th.

Despite an extra round of talks in March, significant hurdles remained. While progress was made on several fronts, the latest session concluded on Friday without a finalized deal.

“We’ve pushed hard to reach an agreement, but we’re not there yet,” acknowledged co-chair Roland Driece at the WHO headquarters. “The intensive work will continue.”

He cited the complexity of the issues, both technical and political, requiring additional time for resolution. Negotiations will resume with a mix of online and in-person sessions until the World Health Assembly. A detailed schedule will be released shortly by Driece and co-chair Precious Matsoso.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the member states’ commitment, stating, “This reflects the unwavering determination to protect the world from another pandemic catastrophe.”

Deep divisions, however, persist between country blocs regarding the specifics of these commitments.

The core issues revolve around access and equity. One contentious point is ensuring access to pathogens discovered within a country and the vaccines subsequently developed. Additionally, equitable distribution of resources like tests, treatments, and vaccine production capabilities remains a sticking point.

Negotiations, shrouded in secrecy, have seen long hours fueled by late-night snacks since April 29th. Each of the agreement’s 37 articles has been meticulously debated, with dedicated working groups striving for consensus.

While progress has been made on some articles, core issues remain unresolved.

“There’s undeniable progress on the framework,” noted Ellen ‘t Hoen, director of Medicines Law and Policy. “However, significant hurdles need further discussion.”

James Love, director of Knowledge Ecology International, echoed this sentiment, stating, “There’s room for negotiation, but a finished deal feels elusive.”

He added that extending the talks wasn’t necessarily negative.

The world watches with bated breath as these crucial negotiations continue, with the hope of establishing a global framework to prevent future pandemics from wreaking havoc across the globe.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert