Aminat Gusanu
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has issued a call for a pandemic accord aimed at reinforcing the legal framework for a unified and comprehensive global response to pandemics.
Dr. Ghebreyesus made this announcement through the official WHO Twitter account on Thursday, 2023.
In his statement, he highlighted the profound impact of inequities, vaccine nationalism, shortages of critical medical supplies, and the remarkable efforts of healthcare workers who often lack adequate protective equipment.
Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized that the Pandemic Accord’s purpose is to prevent the recurrence of these distressing scenarios and ensure a more equitable, prepared, and unified response to global health crises.
He underlined the inevitability of future pandemics and the need to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Currently, WHO’s member states are in negotiations for a new pandemic accord and amendments to the international health regulations.
Dr. Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of national implementation and accountability, with a focus on safeguarding future generations from vulnerabilities and uncertainties.
He mentioned, “Just last month, the UN General Assembly adopted a political declaration on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, demonstrating their commitment to address shared threats with a collective response.
“The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives, livelihoods, and exposed and exacerbated political divisions both within and between nations.
” It eroded trust among people, governments, and institutions, fueled by a barrage of misinformation and disinformation.
“It also laid bare the glaring inequalities of our world, with the poorest and most vulnerable communities suffering the most.”
Dr. Ghebreyesus firmly stated, “The next pandemic is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past.
” That’s why WHO’s member states are currently negotiating a new pandemic accord and amendments to the international health regulations to fortify the legal framework for a global response to pandemics.”
However, we cannot stop there. We must follow through with national ratification and accountable implementation for the sake of future generations. We must not return to the old cycle of panic and neglect that left our world vulnerable.”
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity, stating, “We are stronger together.”
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