Hey, world changers! 🌎 Did you hear? The World Health Organization (WHO) just hit the snooze button on pandemic agreement talks, giving member states one more year to nail down a game-changing treaty! 📝✨
On Saturday, countries from around the globe agreed to extend negotiations on a landmark agreement aimed at boosting our defenses against future pandemics. Think of it as the ultimate team-up to stop the next big bad virus! 🦠💥
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB)—the squad assembled back in December 2021—is staying on the case. Their mission? To deliver a solid plan by the next World Health Assembly in 2025, or even sooner if they level up at a special session in 2024! 🚀
“There was a clear consensus amongst all member states on the need for a further instrument to help the world better fight a full-blown pandemic,” shared INB co-chair Precious Matsoso. Talk about global solidarity! 🤝🌐
But that's not all! This year's Health Assembly also powered up the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). They've added a new definition of a pandemic emergency to kickstart quicker, smarter international responses when danger strikes. ⚡️🚑
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said these upgrades will supercharge countries' abilities to spot and tackle outbreaks, strengthening everything from surveillance to info-sharing. “Today’s strengthening of the IHR provides powerful momentum to complete the pandemic agreement, which, once finalized, can help prevent a repeat of the devastation caused by COVID-19,” he said. 🛡️🌟
So, what's the takeaway? The world is coming together like the ultimate superhero crew to make sure we're all safer and stronger. And that's something to celebrate! 🎉🙌
Reference(s):
WHO member states extend pandemic agreement negotiations one more year
cgtn.com
