The next pandemic is not a question of if but when, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday, urging governments to act without delay.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a stark warning on the inevitability of another global outbreak, calling on countries to urgently finalize the international pandemic treaty.
Speaking at the opening of the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on the pandemic accord, Tedros stressed the need to conclude the process swiftly. “It is in the interest of all nations that this process is not delayed any further,” he said.
The landmark agreement adopted on May 20 after more than three years of negotiations remains incomplete. It requires ratification by 60 countries and the adoption of a crucial annex on pathogen sharing and benefit distribution.
Key disputes unresolved
Talks remain deadlocked over sensitive issues, including pandemic surveillance, data sharing on emerging pathogens, and equitable access to vaccines, tests, and treatments. These sticking points highlight geopolitical tensions over health sovereignty and the fair distribution of medical resources.
Tedros expressed hope that experts would reach consensus this week on the framework, paving the way for the annex to be adopted at the World Health Assembly next May.
Amendments to the International Health Regulations will come into force on Friday, September 19, as preparations continue for the upcoming UN high-level meeting on pandemic prevention.
“Without the annex, the pandemic accord will not be complete,” Tedros insisted, urging states to “finish the job” in the face of what he described as a certain pandemic threat.
ARD/sf/lb/as/APA