On April 16, 2023, a historic agreement was reached in Geneva for a global treaty aimed at pandemic prevention and response. Negotiated by the WHO over three years, the treaty faced significant challenges, including international disagreements and the U.S. withdrawal threat. While not as robust as desired by some equity advocates, the accord lays foundational measures for effective vaccine distribution and shared knowledge during crises. The agreement showcases the strength of international collaboration at a time when such unity is crucial.
I'm overwhelmed, overjoyed! These were the words of Precious Matsoso, co-chair of the World Health Organization (WHO) group tasked with negotiating the first global treaty on preventing and responding to pandemics.
The text agreed in Geneva is not as strongly worded as some health-equity proponents would have liked. But it lays the groundwork for measures that could save lives when the next pandemic strikes.
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