The GPMB has joined with other leaders to publish
an open letter, calling urgently for the successful conclusion of
the Pandemic Accord negotiations.
The letter is signed by more than 40 leaders, representing The
Elders, the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, Pandemic Action Network, the Panel for a Global
Public Health Convention, and Spark Street Advisors, as well as GPMB.
It highlights the critical importance of the Pandemic Accord for the world’s safety from pandemics. The GPMB has called repeatedly for an agreement/accord for preparedness throughout its tenure. The Board first called for an international regulatory framework to address health emergencies in its 2020 Report, calling for the adoption of an international agreement in its 2021 Report, and further specifying needs for the Accord in the Board’s 2023 Report.
Why is the Pandemic Accord so
important?
The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on societies and economies worldwide. As we venture into the post-COVID era, we find ourselves grappling with global polarization, myriad conflicts, and a lingering mistrust among nations.
This complex landscape poses challenges for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) constituted by WHO member states. The INB is set to reconvene from February 19-29 to further refine the text that will be proposed at the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024.
The Pandemic Accord is needed to establish cooperative mechanisms essential for an effective response to future crises, which is of crucial importance for navigating this post-pandemic terrain. Two complementary approaches are imperative: firstly, each country must adopt specific provisions at the national level to enhance their preparedness, and secondly, nations must develop and strengthen international mechanisms to coordinate actions during large-scale epidemics or pandemics.
To better prepare our world and ensure that investments in
prevention and preparedness yield expected benefits, establishing a monitoring
system is critical. This system should be capable of capturing the complexity
and diversity of capacities required to make the world a safer
place.
For more information please contact
Bekki Field at The Elders on GMT at Bekki.Field@theelders.org, +44 7824 819714
Clare Bowerman at The GPMB on GMT at bowermanc@who.int, +44 7792 504228
Christine McNab at The Independent Panel in Melbourne on AEDT at ChristineMcNab@gmail.com, +61 430 574 167
Courtney Morris at Pandemic Action Network in Seattle on PST, courtney.morris@pandemicactionnetwork.org
The Panel for a Global Public Health Convention at secretariat@gphcpanel.org
Susanna Lehtimaki at Spark Street Advisors on CET, slehtimaki@ssc.nyc