WHO members inch closer to global pandemic agreement at Geneva talks 

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: The 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), attended by representatives of the 194 World Health Organization (WHO), held recently in Geneva, witnessed important developments with regard to government-led negotiations for the world’s first global pandemic prevention agreement.
Key outcomes included substantial advancements on the draft agreement, greater engagement from civil society and non-state actors, and a collective commitment to maintain momentum towards finalising the pandemic accord. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for November 4 to 15.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the "collective commitment" of governments and stakeholders, stressing the urgent need for an agreement in light of the ongoing threat posed by pandemic-causing viruses. 
“The next pandemic will not wait for us,” he warned. “But all the ingredients are in place to negotiate a generational pandemic agreement. The world needs hope that countries can find common solutions to shared problems,” the WHO DG said.
Ambassador Anne-Claire Amprou, INB Bureau Co-chair from France, underlined the commitment of governments to the pandemic accord, which aims to create a safer and healthier world. She also highlighted the crucial role of civil society in ensuring that equity, innovation, and collaboration remain at the heart of the agreement.
The ambassador added, “There was a clear recognition from all countries that we must find a way forward to better protect our citizens from future pandemics,” calling on all parties to sustain the progress achieved during the negotiations.
Over the course of the two-week discussions, stakeholders actively engaged with negotiators, offering updates, suggestions, and feedback on the evolving draft. 
Nina Jamal, Head of Pandemics at global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, stressed the urgent need for an effective pandemic agreement that not only prepares for future outbreaks but also focuses on prevention through a One Health approach. 
She commended the INB Bureau for fostering transparency and promoting constructive dialogue among member states.
Michelle Childs, Policy Advocacy Director for the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), welcomed the sharing of draft texts and daily briefings, which she said were critical in enhancing stakeholder involvement and countering misinformation.
Ms Precious Matsoso, INB Co-chair from South Africa, highlighted significant progress in key areas of the draft agreement, such as research and development, regulatory systems, pandemic prevention, and equitable access to vaccines and treatments. 
“After nearly three years of negotiations, countries are now focused on the most critical elements to protect the world from future pandemics,” she remarked.
Ms Matsoso also emphasised the importance of international cooperation to ensure global preparedness, while respecting each country’s sovereignty in health decision-making.
The INB was established in December 2021, following a special session of the World Health Assembly, to draft and negotiate a global convention or agreement aimed at strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. 
At the World Health Assembly in June 2024, governments pledged to complete negotiations on a pandemic agreement by the end of 2024.