Chijioke Iremeka
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus says indifference and inaction shown by certain Member States remained the biggest danger facing the adoption of the global pandemic treaty.
Speaking at the resumed session of the 9th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, which started in Geneva today, May 3, 2024, said some state actors are indifferent about the treaty.
“Some members said that the agreement is too specific, while others said it is not specific enough. Also, another set of people feel that the treaty is too strong, while others say it is not strong enough.
“However, the Member States have gathered in Geneva to continue their negotiations on a proposed WHO convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response,” he said.
Ghebreyesus noted that the adoption of the treaty at the World Health Assembly is the next on the agenda.
He stated, “As you know, all Member States will have to consider and, hopefully, approve the agreement at the domestic or national level.
“This agreement is a piece of paper, but the measure of whether it’s worth the paper it’s written on will be whether it saves lives and prevents suffering in a future pandemic.”
Encouraging the Member States, Ghebreyesus, said, “That is the reason you are here, and I ask you not to lose sight of that. I believe that in years to come, we will all be proud that we were part of this process. So, give yourselves a reason to be proud.
“But more importantly, give the world a reason to be grateful for what you did in this room. Give the people of the world, the people of your countries, and the people you represent, a safer future.
“So, I have one simple request: please, get this done, for them. You are here for the same reason this Organisation was created in the first place because global threats demand a global response.”
The WHO DG told the delegates that the work they currently do has a deep connection with the past and is part of the reason Member States established WHO 76 years ago.
He added, “The work you are doing also has a deep connection with the present, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the domestic and geopolitical realities that all Member States face.
“The work you are doing has a deep connection with the future, in protecting those who come after us from the suffering that we have endured in this pandemic.
“I have heard from many Member States that the revised text you have been considering this week is balanced and that it brings you much closer to a deal.
“There remain differences between you, of course, but they are now much smaller than they were. The text reflects the ownership of all members of the drafting group.”
Expressing his gratitude, he thanked all delegations for their hard work in the past two years and present.
“We all want the same thing: to make the world safer from pandemics. Get this done for the people who are not here; get this done for the people whose voices go unheard and unheeded;
“Get this done for the people who are still grieving the loss of someone they loved to COVID-19; get this done for the people who have never even heard of WHO, and who struggle from day to day just to survive and feed their children;
“Get this done for your children and your grandchildren and for generations who have not even been born, but who will face the threat of pandemics, just as we faced it. They do not have to suffer as we suffered. So please, get this done,” he added.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
