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77th World Health Assembly, or WHA (May 27-June 1, 2024), in Geneva agreed on amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 to improve global preparedness and response to health emergencies
The WHA extended the mandate for the Pandemic Treaty negotiating body, intergovernmental negotiating body (INB), aiming to finalize the WHO Pandemic Agreement by the 78th WHA in May 2025 or sooner
Geopolitical and Economic disparities
The Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) faces delays due to disagreements on equitable sharing of benefits from pathogen samples and genetic resources between wealthy and developing countries.
Differences in views on technology transfer and intellectual property rights are hindering progress, with wealthy countries preferring voluntary terms over mandatory ones.
Disagreements on technology transfer hinder the development of diverse production capacities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Uneven financial support affects the ability of developing countries to access health products and build essential capacities.
The One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, is supported by high-income countries but is viewed as an additional, unfunded burden by LMICs
Disagreements on the use of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities and compulsory licensing, delay effective decision-making.
Trade barriers and intellectual property protections have previously contributed to vaccine inequity, affecting the global response to pandemics
The lack of robust enforcement and accountability in international health regulations complicates the implementation of the pandemic agreement.
Ensuring ongoing equitable access to medical products requires improved regional production capabilities.
What is International Health Regulations (IHR)?
The IHR are legally binding for 196 countries, including 194 WHO Member States, outlining rights and obligations for managing cross-border health emergencies
Countries must report health events and assess if they qualify as a "public health emergency of international concern."
Each country must designate a National IHR Focal Point for communication with WHO
Countries must establish and maintain core capacities for surveillance and response, including at designated points of entry.
The IHR include safeguards for travellers' rights, focusing on data protection, informed consent, and non-discrimination.
Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS)
The PABS system in Article 12 is the most contentious and central issue in the pandemic agreement negotiations
The PABS system ensures pathogens and their genetic resources are used responsibly and equitably in developing new medicines and vaccines.
It acknowledges and respects the rights and interests of the countries and communities that provide these resources
The system facilitates fair sharing of benefits and supports international collaboration in research and development
What is One Health Approach?
It is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.
It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.
One Health’ vision derives its blueprint from the agreement between the tripartite-plus alliance comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
Benefits:
Reduce potential threats at the human-animal-environment interface to control diseases that spread between animals and humans
Tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Ensure food safety
Prevent environment-related health threats to humans and animals
Protect biodiversity
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