WHO member states, including Indonesia, are actively negotiating a new global framework for pandemic response, which may take the form of an agreement, convention, or another binding international instrument. The negotiations are being held under the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), with discussions on a global pandemic framework extending beyond the initial goal of completion at the World Health Assembly in May-June 2024 due to unresolved issues.
The most recent session, the 10th, took place in July 2024 and focused on three key points:
- Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (Article 12): This article addresses the balance between sharing pandemic-causing pathogens and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits such as vaccines, diagnostic tools, and other resources. It remains contentious and reflects the complexity of negotiations that mirror previous frameworks, such as the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, finalized in 2011 after extensive discussions.
- Pandemic Prevention and Surveillance (Article 4): This article emphasizes necessary measures to prevent future pandemics, aiming to enhance global preparedness and reduce the occurrence of severe pandemics like COVID-19 by improving worldwide surveillance systems.
- One Health Approach (Article 5): The article proposes collaboration across human health, animal health, and environmental sectors to prevent and respond to future pandemics, stressing the need for integrated, cross-sectoral approaches.
Despite extensive discussions, a consensus has not yet been reached. Therefore, the next INB meeting is scheduled for September 9-20, 2024, where additional issues will be addressed, including:
- Aligning the new framework with the International Health Regulations (IHR) amendments agreed upon in June.
- Deciding the legal structure of the pandemic rules—whether they will take the form of an agreement, convention, or treaty.
Event Details:
- Date: July 2024 (10th session), with the next session from September 9-20, 2024
- Host: WHO (World Health Organization)
- Participants: WHO member states, including Indonesia, global health experts, and negotiators from various countries.
