The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concerns that countries may fail to reach a pandemic preparedness agreement by May, warning that “future generations may not forgive us.” The WHO’s 194 member states are currently in negotiations to establish an international accord that will equip countries to better handle future health crises and prevent them altogether.
Originally, the plan was to finalize the agreement at the annual meeting of the World Health Assembly in May 2024. However, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has stated that time is running out and the project risks stalling if no compromises are made.
During the opening of the WHO’s executive board meeting in Geneva, Tedros reminded member states of the commitment made by world leaders at the UN General Assembly to resolve negotiations on the pandemic accord and make amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) by May. He expressed concerns that this commitment may not be met, emphasizing the urgency to address several outstanding issues.
Tedros emphasized that failing to deliver the agreement would be a missed opportunity that future generations may not forgive. He called for courage and compromise from all member states to reach a strong agreement that will protect future generations from pandemics.
In December 2021, WHO member states decided to initiate the negotiating and drafting process for a new international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The goal of this accord is to ensure better global preparedness and a fairer response to future pandemics.
It is important to note that Tedros declared an end to the Covid-19 pandemic as an international public health emergency in May 2023. The governance of the WHO is divided among Tedros, the World Health Assembly, and the executive board.
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