During the World Health Organization’s six-day World Health Assembly, member countries approved new measures to strengthen global preparedness and response to pandemics such as COVID-19 and mpox. The International Health Regulations, established in 2005, were amended to include a definition of a “pandemic emergency” and to improve access to financing and medical products for developing countries. Although there were disagreements between developing and richer nations on technology and pathogen sharing, plans for a broader pandemic treaty were put on hold, with a commitment to finalize negotiations on the accord by the end of the year.
The newly approved definition of a pandemic emergency outlines criteria such as a communicable disease with wide geographical spread or high risk of one, surpassing national health system capacities, causing significant economic or social disruption, and requiring swift international action. This definition aims to streamline negotiations for the pandemic agreement and ensure a more coordinated response to future global health emergencies.
Yuanqiong Hu, a senior legal and policy adviser at Doctors Without Borders, emphasized the importance of these changes made on Saturday in promoting equity in access to health products during global health crises. These provisions are crucial in ensuring that all countries, especially developing nations, have equal access to vital medical resources during pandemics.
