OPS convocó cuarta reunión de países de las Américas sobre el futuro acuerdo global frente a pandemias – OPS/OMS

Geneva, Switzerland, February 16, 2024 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called the countries of the Americas to a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to address progress in the negotiations of the possible future global agreement against a pandemic. The objective of the two-day meeting that ended today was to review the fundamental components of the draft document that will be presented in May for approval by the World Health Assembly (WHA).

The process to draft and negotiate a new agreement is led by the Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) and seeks to strengthen preparation and response to future pandemics through an instrument that encourages greater collaboration and political commitment at the global level. . global.

The Director of PAHO, Jarbas Barbosa, intervened virtually at the meeting and highlighted that the participation of the countries of the Americas in the deliberations is “crucial” to guarantee that the future agreement takes into account their needs and characteristics. In addition, he mentioned that the agreement must ensure fair and equitable access to treatments, vaccines and personal protective equipment in the next pandemic. “A new instrument represents a unique opportunity to protect future generations,” he said.

The meeting convened by the Director of PAHO brought together representatives of the ministries of Health of the Americas and their diplomatic missions to the United Nations in Geneva. This meeting was held as a prelude to the eighth and penultimate session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which begins on February 19, so discussions are intensifying to reach a global consensus on a document . .

The countries of the Americas highlighted their commitment to working towards a pandemic agreement with equity as a basis and to finding common ground to reach a regional consensus that can better position the region in the negotiations.

PAHO, as the WHO regional office for the Americas, has accompanied the countries of the region in the deliberations on the agreement and has provided them with technical and logistical support to facilitate their participation in the global discussions.

As a lesson learned from the COVID-19 response, the critical role of PAHO’s Revolving Funds was highlighted and the importance of the evolving pandemic agreement incorporating these funds as part of the proposed global infrastructure to ensure equitable access to supplies, equipment, medications, vaccines and other essential products.

In 2023, the Organization convened three regional meetings in which national authorities from all the countries of the Americas participated.

If negotiations on a future pandemic convention are successful, this agreement will be the third legally binding international instrument agreed upon by WHO Member States, after the International Health Regulations (RSI) – whose purpose is to prevent the international spread of diseases and whose amendments are also being discussed – and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.