The annual World Health Assembly focuses on enhancing global preparedness for future pandemics, although negotiations for a pandemic treaty have hit a deadlock. WHO Director-General highlights the significance of the meeting in shaping future strategies amidst challenges in reaching consensus. The assembly also addresses amendments to International Health Regulations to strengthen countries’ response to health emergencies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) commenced its annual World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, May 27, 2024. Government ministers and top envoys from the WHO’s 194 member states gathered with the objective of bolstering global preparedness for future pandemics, following the devastating effects of COVID-19. However, the ambitious project to implement a pandemic treaty has stalled after over two years of negotiations failed to yield a draft agreement acceptable to all countries involved.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that this development should not be seen as a failure. While diplomats, health officials, and activists have struggled to reach consensus on the treaty, the meeting remains significant for mapping out forward strategies. Key issues include global coordination, sharing emerging pathogen information, and managing scarce resources like vaccines and protective gear.
Speeches from Tedros, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighted the opening session. Attendees are also set to discuss health-related repercussions from conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine.
The assembly will now focus on amending the International Health Regulations, which have been in place for nearly two decades. These regulations aim to improve countries’ abilities to detect and respond to health emergencies. One proposal includes establishing a “pandemic emergency” concept to enhance the efficacy of current WHO alert systems.
Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, faces potential electoral challenges within her home country, Germany, due to her political alliances. Germany’s Social Democratic Party and other left-leaning parties have voiced their opposition to her forming coalitions with right-wing factions, notably those aligned with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This internal dissent may affect von der Leyen’s prospects for re-election as European Commission President.