Deadline for pandemic accord passes with no final agreement reached | Latest News India

Negotiations among 194 World Health Organisation (WHO) member states reached a critical juncture on Friday as the deadline for finalizing an agreement to prevent, prepare, and manage future pandemics loomed. Despite intense discussions, the concrete shape of the accord remained elusive, according to sources close to the matter.

The WHO, however, expressed optimism, stating that significant progress had been made in drafting the agreement. The talks are set to continue until the start of the World Health Assembly at the end of May.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended member states for their unwavering commitment to creating a generational agreement to safeguard against future pandemics. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), established two years ago to spearhead this effort, will present its outcome for consideration at the World Health Assembly.

The proposed accord aims to ensure equitable access to tools for pandemic prevention and response, including vaccines and healthcare. A key sticking point in negotiations has been the issue of benefit sharing, with developed and developing countries at odds over the distribution of resources.

As countries grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the urgency of global collaboration to enhance preparedness and response to future health crises has never been more apparent. The world is watching as nations strive to forge a historic agreement that will protect the health and well-being of all citizens.