WHO chief ‘confident’ about eventual pandemic treaty deal

Geneva: The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed confidence on Monday that countries would eventually reach a deal on a pandemic accord, despite failing to do so last week, agencies reported.

Health officials from the WHO’s 194 member states aim to wrap up over two years of negotiations on new rules for pandemic responses during the 27th May to 1st June World Health Assembly in Geneva.

However, the prize, a legally-binding pandemic treaty to bolster global defences against future pathogens, following the death of millions due to COVID-19, remains out of reach. Negotiators were unable to finalize a draft deal on Friday for formal approval by the assembly.

“Of course, we all wish that we had been able to reach a consensus on the agreement in time for this health assembly, and cross the finish line,” Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated in his opening address.

“I remain confident that you still will, because where there is a will, there is a way. I know that there remains among you a common will to get this done,” he added.

Negotiations continue on updating existing health regulations for outbreaks, with negotiators indicating that a deal is close.

Agency: Reuters

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