Latest news with #Anne-ClaireAmprou
Arab News
16-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
WHO countries strike landmark agreement on tackling future pandemics
GENEVA: Years of negotiations culminated early Wednesday with countries agreeing the text of a landmark accord on how to tackle future pandemics, aimed at avoiding the mistakes made during the Covid-19 more than three years of talks and one last marathon session, weary delegates at the World Health Organization's headquarters finally sealed the deal at around 2:00 am (0000 GMT) Wednesday.'Tonight marks a significant milestone in our shared journey toward a safer world,' said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom years after the emergence of Covid-19, which killed millions of people, devastated economies and upturned health systems, a sense of urgency hung over the talks, with new threats lurking — including H5N1 bird flu, measles, mpox and final stretch of the talks also took place under the shadow of cuts to US foreign aid spending and threatened tariffs on until the last minute, disagreement lingered over a few thorny stumbled over the agreement's Article 11, which deals with transferring technology for pandemic health products toward developing the Covid-19 pandemic, poorer states accused rich nations of hoarding vaccines and with large pharmaceutical industries have strenuously opposed the idea of mandatory tech transfers, insisting they must be it appeared the obstacle could be overcome by adding that any transfer needed to be 'mutually agreed.'The core of the agreement is a proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), aimed at allowing the swift sharing of pathogen data with pharmaceutical companies, enabling them to quickly start working on pandemic-fighting the end, the 32-page agreement was entirely highlighted in green, indicating all of it had been fully approved by WHO member states.'It's adopted,' negotiations co-chair Anne-Claire Amprou announced, to thunderous applause.'In drafting this historic agreement, the countries of the world have demonstrated their shared commitment to preventing and protecting everyone, everywhere, from future pandemic threats.'The finalized text will now be presented for sign-off at the WHO's annual assembly next quickly poured in.'Excellent news from Geneva,' European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said on X.'We have learnt the lessons of COVID. To beat a pandemic, you need tests, treatments and vaccines. And you equally need solidarity and global cooperation.'The EU had led the charge arguing for flexibility and voluntary measures in the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), which participated in the talks, had also taken that ahead toward implementation, the leading pharma lobby said intellectual property and legal certainty would be essential for encouraging investment in high-risk research and development in the next crisis.'The pandemic agreement is a starting point,' insisted IFPMA chief David countries and NGOs also hailed the agreement, while acknowledging that not all of their ambitions were met.'While the process may not have yielded all the outcomes we aspired for, it has opened an important avenue for future collaboration,' Tanzania's representative told the gathering, speaking on behalf of dozens of African intense talks in corridors and closed rooms drew toward an end late Tuesday, Tedros told reporters he thought a deal would bring 'more equity.'While taking measures against pandemics could be costly, 'the cost of inaction is much bigger,' he insisted.'Virus is the worst enemy. (It) could be worse than a war.'The United States, which has thrown the global health system into crisis by slashing foreign aid spending, was President Donald Trump ordered a withdrawal from the United Nations' health agency and from the pandemic agreement talks after taking office in US absence, and Trump's threat to slap steep tariffs on pharmaceutical products, still hung over the talks, making manufacturers and governments more in the end, countries reached saw the approval of the text as a victory for global cooperation.'At a time when multilateralism is under threat, WHO member states have joined together to say that we will defeat the next pandemic threat in the only way possible: by working together,' said New Zealand's former prime minister Helen Clark, co-chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and the congratulatory speeches continued on toward daybreak, Eswatini's representative cautioned that 'whilst we celebrate this moment, we need not rest on our laurels.''The real work begins now.'
Observer
16-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
WHO countries strike landmark agreement on tackling future pandemics
Years of negotiations culminated early Wednesday with countries agreeing the text of a landmark accord on how to tackle future pandemics, aimed at avoiding the mistakes made during the Covid-19 crisis. After more than three years of talks and one last marathon session, weary delegates at the World Health Organization's headquarters finally sealed the deal at around 2:00 am (0000 GMT) Wednesday. "Tonight marks a significant milestone in our shared journey towards a safer world," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "The nations of the world made history in Geneva today." Five years after the emergence of Covid-19, which killed millions of people, devastated economies and upturned health systems, a sense of urgency hung over the talks, with new threats lurking -- including H5N1 bird flu, measles, mpox and Ebola. The final stretch of the talks also took place under the shadow of cuts to US foreign aid spending and threatened tariffs on pharmaceuticals. Negotiators stumbled over the agreement's Article 11, which deals with transferring technology for pandemic health products towards developing nations. During the Covid-19 pandemic, poorer states accused rich nations of hoarding vaccines and tests. Countries with large pharmaceutical industries have strenuously opposed the idea of mandatory tech transfers, insisting they must be voluntary. But it appeared the obstacle could be overcome by adding that any transfer needed to be "mutually agreed". The core of the agreement is a proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), aimed at allowing the swift sharing of pathogen data with pharmaceutical companies, enabling them to quickly start working on pandemic-fighting products. In the end, the 32-page agreement was entirely highlighted in green, indicating all of it had been fully approved by WHO member states. "It's adopted," negotiations co-chair Anne-Claire Amprou announced, to thunderous applause. "In drafting this historic agreement, the countries of the world have demonstrated their shared commitment to preventing and protecting everyone, everywhere, from future pandemic threats." The finalised text will now be presented for sign-off at the WHO's annual assembly next month. While taking measures to coordinate pandemic prevention, preparedness and response could be costly, "the cost of inaction is much bigger", he insisted. "Virus is the worst enemy. (It) could be worse than a war." The United States, which has thrown the global health system into crisis by slashing foreign aid spending, was absent. US President Donald Trump ordered a withdrawal from the United Nations' health agency and from the pandemic agreement talks after taking office in January. However, the US absence, and Trump's threat to slap steep tariffs on pharmaceutical products, still hung over the talks, making manufacturers and governments more jittery. But in the end, countries reached consensus. As the congratulatory speeches continued on towards daybreak at the WHO HQ, Eswatini's representative cautioned that "whilst we celebrate this moment, we need not rest on our laurels. "The real work begins now."
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
WHO countries strike landmark agreement on tackling future pandemics
Years of negotiations culminated early Wednesday with countries agreeing the text of a landmark accord on how to tackle future pandemics, aimed at avoiding the mistakes made during the Covid-19 crisis. After more than three years of talks and one last marathon session, weary delegates at the World Health Organization's headquarters finally sealed the deal at around 2:00 am (0000 GMT) Wednesday. "Tonight marks a significant milestone in our shared journey towards a safer world," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "The nations of the world made history in Geneva today." Five years after the emergence of Covid-19, which killed millions of people, devastated economies and upturned health systems, a sense of urgency hung over the talks, with new threats lurking -- including H5N1 bird flu, measles, mpox and Ebola. The final stretch of the talks also took place under the shadow of cuts to US foreign aid spending and threatened tariffs on pharmaceuticals. - 'It's adopted' - Right until the last minute, disagreement lingered over a few thorny issues. Negotiators stumbled over the agreement's Article 11, which deals with transferring technology for pandemic health products towards developing nations. During the Covid-19 pandemic, poorer states accused rich nations of hoarding vaccines and tests. Countries with large pharmaceutical industries have strenuously opposed the idea of mandatory tech transfers, insisting they must be voluntary. But it appeared the obstacle could be overcome by adding that any transfer needed to be "mutually agreed". The core of the agreement is a proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), aimed at allowing the swift sharing of pathogen data with pharmaceutical companies, enabling them to quickly start working on pandemic-fighting products. In the end, the 32-page agreement was entirely highlighted in green, indicating all of it had been fully approved by WHO member states. "It's adopted," negotiations co-chair Anne-Claire Amprou announced, to thunderous applause. "In drafting this historic agreement, the countries of the world have demonstrated their shared commitment to preventing and protecting everyone, everywhere, from future pandemic threats." The finalised text will now be presented for sign-off at the WHO's annual assembly next month. - 'More equity' - As intense talks in corridors and closed rooms drew towards an end late on Tuesday, Tedros told reporters he thought the draft was "balanced", and that a deal would bring "more equity". While taking measures to coordinate pandemic prevention, preparedness and response could be costly, "the cost of inaction is much bigger", he insisted. "Virus is the worst enemy. (It) could be worse than a war." The United States, which has thrown the global health system into crisis by slashing foreign aid spending, was absent. US President Donald Trump ordered a withdrawal from the United Nations' health agency and from the pandemic agreement talks after taking office in January. However, the US absence, and Trump's threat to slap steep tariffs on pharmaceutical products, still hung over the talks, making manufacturers and governments more jittery. But in the end, countries reached consensus. - 'Real work begins now' - Looking ahead towards implementation, the leading pharma lobby said intellectual property and legal certainty would be essential if the industry was to invest in high-risk research and development in the next crisis. "The pandemic agreement is a starting point," said David Reddy, director general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations, which participated in the talks. "We hope that in subsequent negotiations, member states maintain the conditions for the private sector to continue innovating against pathogens of pandemic potential." Many saw the approval of the text as a victory for global cooperation. "At a time when multilateralism is under threat, WHO member states have joined together to say that we will defeat the next pandemic threat in the only way possible: by working together," said New Zealand's former prime minister Helen Clark, co-chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response. As the congratulatory speeches continued on towards daybreak at the WHO HQ, Eswatini's representative cautioned that "whilst we celebrate this moment, we need not rest on our laurels. "The real work begins now." apo-nl/rjm/jj
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pandemic treaty talks inch towards deal
Countries hoping to end more than three years of negotiations on battling future pandemics met for talks on Tuesday, after reaching a preliminary agreement last week. It has been more than five years since the Covid-19 pandemic began, killing millions of people and devastating economies. Experts say an accord has become even more crucial with new health threats, ranging from H5N1 bird flu to measles, mpox and Ebola. The negotiations had been scheduled to conclude last June, but were extended for a year in a bid to overcome disagreements. Delegates began meeting to finalise the text at around 10:15 am (0815 GMT) on Tuesday behind closed doors at the World Health Organization's headquarters in Geneva. "Although the agreement went through several compromises, it includes many positive elements," medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said in a statement on Tuesday. The 13th round of talks started on April 7 as health agencies reeled from drastic foreign aid cuts by the United States -- the world's donor superpower. Washington has not taken part in the negotiations, since President Donald Trump decided on his first day in office in January to begin withdrawing from the United Nations' health agency. - Accord 'in principle' - Early Saturday, after five days and a full night of negotiations, talks co-chair Anne-Claire Amprou announced that countries had reached "an accord in principle", pending final approval. After a three-day break, delegates are due to polish up the text for one last time on Tuesday -- unless there is any last-minute hold-up. The accord would "give the world better tools" to deal with future outbreaks, Catharina Boehme, WHO's assistant director-general for external relations, said on LinkedIn. If an agreement is sealed, the text will be ready for final approval at the WHO's annual assembly next month. Should that happen, "it would be a first in the history of international agreements," said Michelle Childs, Director of Policy Advocacy at the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). - Tech, sanctions - One of the main remaining sticking points was Article 11, which deals with technology transfer for production of health products for pandemics -- particularly to benefit developing countries, several sources told AFP. During the Covid-19 pandemic, poorer countries accused rich nations of hoarding vaccine doses and tests. DNDi's Childs said that countries funding healthcare research recognised the "need to attach conditions to that funding that ensure public benefit" with the agreement. Several countries with large pharmaceutical industries have meanwhile opposed the idea of mandatory tech transfers and have insisted on it being voluntary. Another "remaining issue is language related to sanctions" under Article 13, said Thiru Balasubramaniam at the NGO Knowledge Ecology International (KEI), who has been monitoring the talks. The text provides for the establishment of a global supply chain and logistics network to expand access to vaccines, treatments and tests needed to fight pandemics, or in humanitarian crisis situations. However, in discussions on Article 13, countries have yet to agree on granting unhindered access to health products outside of the pandemics or humanitarian contexts, which would allow countries under international sanctions to obtain things like vaccines, tests and treatments. apo/nl/tw/tym/sbk/ach
Japan Times
15-04-2025
- Health
- Japan Times
Pandemic treaty talks inch toward accord
Countries hope more than three years of negotiations on battling future pandemics will finally end Tuesday, after reaching a preliminary agreement last week. It has been more than five years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, killing millions of people and devastating economies. Experts say an accord has become even more crucial with new health threats, ranging from H5N1 bird flu to measles, mpox and Ebola. The negotiations had been scheduled to conclude last June but were extended for a year in a bid to overcome disagreements. The thirteenth round of talks started on April 7 as health agencies reeled from drastic foreign aid cuts by the United States — the world's donor superpower. Washington has not taken part in the negotiations, since President Donald Trump decided on his first day in office in January to begin withdrawing from the World Health Organization. Accord, 'in principle' Early Saturday, after five days and a full night of talks, Anne-Claire Amprou, the talks' co-chair, announced that countries had reached "an accord, in principle," pending final approval from capitals. Delegations are to meet Tuesday behind closed doors at the WHO headquarters to finalize the text. "A pandemic agreement is within reach," Catharina Boehme, WHO's assistant director-general for external relations, said on LinkedIn. "After a very intense week of negotiations, including an all-night sprint, WHO member states are closer than ever to getting it done," she said. "A pandemic agreement will give the world better tools to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the next pandemics." If agreement is sealed, the text will be ready for final approval at the WHO annual assembly next month. French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the progress, saying a pandemic treaty "is creating a new system to better protect us," in a post on X on Saturday. Tech, sanctions One of the main remaining sticking points had been Article 11, which deals with technology transfer for the production of health products for pandemics — particularly to benefit developing countries, several sources said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, poorer countries accused rich nations of hoarding vaccine doses and tests. Several countries with large pharmaceutical industries have, meanwhile, opposed the idea of mandatory tech transfers and have insisted on it being voluntary. Another "remaining issue is language related to sanctions" under Article 13, said Thiru Balasubramaniam at the NGO Knowledge Ecology International (KEI), who has been monitoring the talks. The text provides for the establishment of a global supply chain and logistics network to expand access to vaccines, treatments and tests needed to fight pandemics, or in humanitarian crisis situations. However, in discussions on Article 13, countries have yet to agree on granting unhindered access to health products outside of the pandemics or humanitarian contexts, which would allow countries under international sanctions to obtain things like vaccines, tests and treatments.
