The world is not prepared for another health crisis like COVID-19, according to a leading global health expert. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s health minister and a board member of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, has expressed concern that the world needs to make preparations to prevent future pandemics.
One of the key issues in the treaty negotiations is ensuring that low and middle-income countries have access to tests, treatments, and vaccines developed to fight pandemics. The goal is to allocate 20% of these products at no-profit costs or donated, in order to avoid the inequalities seen during the COVID-19 pandemic where African countries were last in line for life-saving products. While negotiations for the treaty may continue for several months or even years, there is hope that a parallel process to update existing rules governing international disease outbreaks could be signed off before the end of the WHO’s annual meeting. However, concerns about potential delays in the treaty talks are heightened due to upcoming elections in key countries that could bring in right-leaning governments.
There is a sense of urgency in the treaty talks, with the understanding that delays could lead to more challenges in the future. Despite concerns about threats to sovereignty, the WHO has reassured that the treaty includes clauses to protect countries’ independence. It is crucial that agreements are reached now to prevent further delays and ensure global readiness for future health crises.
