Pandemic accord crucial in safeguarding humanity
The Covid-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for nations around the world to come up with an international accord on preparedness and response to a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease.
This proposed pandemic accord is an international agreement that aims to create a blueprint for preventing, preparing for, and responding to global health threats. It calls for rapid but safe sharing of samples and genetic sequence data of pathogens among nations.
But four years after global leaders first broached the idea, the agony of coming up with a pandemic accord continues. Talks among 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) remain at loggerheads.
While principles involving fairness, solidarity, transparency, and accountability have been agreed upon, according to a WHO official, equity and the balance between obligations remain a sticking point.
Some rich countries seem not agreeable on plans for intellectual property waivers and technology transfer, while smaller countries are wary about timely access to health products, access to pathogen data, and benefit sharing.
WHO member states must put their act together and place prevention of another pandemic above any other interest. As we emerge from the emergency phase of Covid-19, we must reflect on the lessons learned and take decisive action to prevent future pandemics.
The urgency lies not only in protecting our health but also in securing our economies, societies, and well-being.
The trauma left behind by Covid-19 remains fresh in our minds. From economic inequality to mental health crises, its impact was far-reaching.
We cannot afford to commit the costly mistakes made during the Covid-19 response. The pandemic underscored that no one is safe until everyone is safe. A health crisis anywhere can swiftly become a global crisis. We were a witness to this.
Covid-19 also exposed vulnerabilities in the international system that coordinates pandemic responses. This is why an international accord on preparedness and response must be agreed upon at the soonest possible time to reduce the likelihood and impact of future pandemics.
The pandemic accord, based on the draft, has the potential to halt pandemics at their inception through early detection of dangerous pathogens to prevent their spread.
During a pandemic, the timely and equitable delivery of tests, treatments, vaccines, and other tools are crucial. An accord would streamline coordination, saving lives and protecting the global economy.
As negotiations continue, albeit at a slow pace, everyone should realize the urgency of coming up with a pandemic agreement. The accord is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Failure to come up with a pandemic accord may be construed as a betrayal of humanity.
Let us unite, learn from the past, and build a resilient shield against future pandemics. Safeguarding humanity demands nothing less.
The pandemic accord isn’t just about preventing another Covid-like nightmare, it’s about securing and boosting our collective future. Let’s act swiftly, for the sake of generations to come.