Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to continue negotiations to finalize an agreement on handling pandemics scheduled from April 29 to May 10, 2024, following a two-week intensive country-led discussions focused on preparing and responding to future pandemics in a equitable and effective manner.

The session, the ninth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB9), took place from March 18 to March 28, 2024 where government representatives reviewed the entire draft agreement, discussing key issues like funding for pandemic preparedness, equitable access to medicines and treatments during pandemics, and strengthening the global health workforce.

The Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized that Member States recognize the critical importance of this agreement in safeguarding future generations from the kind of suffering experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I thank them for their clear commitment to finding common ground and finalizing this historic agreement in time for the World Health Assembly,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.

The continuation of the INB9 negotiations next month marks a significant step forward, leading up to the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly set to begin on May 27, 2024. During this assembly, Member States will review and potentially adopt the proposed text of the world’s first agreement specifically designed to address pandemics.

Dr. Precious Matsoso, who co-chairs the INB Bureau, highlighted that governments unanimously agree on the objective of the pandemic agreement to equip the world with the necessary tools and strategies to prevent and manage future pandemics, emphasizing the principles of consensus, solidarity, and equity.

“These goals must remain our North Star as we move toward the finalization of this historic, pressing commitment for the world. We know that if we fail, we will be failing humanity, including all those who suffered from COVID-19, and those at risk of future pandemics.”

Mr. Roland Driece, who serves as a Co-Chair of the INB Bureau alongside Dr. Precious Matsoso, stressed the urgency and necessity for governments to come to an agreement at the upcoming World Health Assembly. He emphasized that reaching a consensus is crucial for making the world a healthier, fairer, and safer place in the face of pandemics.

“We are at the finishing line and we are committed to maximizing the remaining negotiations to reach the result the entire world needs.”

In December 2021, the World Health Assembly convened for a Special Session, only the second of its kind since the World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948. During this session, it was decided to create the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) with the purpose of drafting and negotiating a WHO convention, agreement, or other international legal instrument focused on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

This initiative has been characterized by a broad and inclusive process, involving participation from various United Nations system entities, non-state actors, other relevant stakeholders, and the general public.

The ninth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB9) took place in a hybrid format from March 18 to March 28, 2024. During the eighth meeting (INB8), Member States requested that the INB Bureau, which consists of six officers representing each of the six WHO regions, prepare a revised version of the negotiating text for the WHO Pandemic Agreement. This revised draft will serve as the foundation for detailed discussions and negotiations at INB9.