3 weeks Ago By Bipasha Dey and Olivia Le Poidevin
Members of the World Health Organisation have reached an agreement to prepare the world for future pandemics after more than three years of negotiations, the organisation says. or signup to continue reading The legally binding pact is intended to shore up the world's defences against new pathogens after the COVID-19 pandemic killed millions of people in 2020-22. The proposal outlines measures to prevent future pandemics and strengthen global collaboration.
This includes establishing a pathogen access and benefit sharing system and building geographically diverse research capacities among others. The agreement also proposes a global supply chain and logistics network while emphasising stronger health system resilience and preparedness. "After more than three years of intensive negotiations, WHO member states took a major step forward in efforts to make the world safer from pandemics," the health body said in a statement early on Wednesday.
The agreement is widely seen as a victory for the global health agency, at a time when multilateral organisations like the WHO have been battered by sharp cuts in US foreign funding. The United States, which was slow to join the early talks, left the discussions this year after new President Donald Trump issued an executive order in February withdrawing the US from the WHO and the talks. The proposal will be considered at the World Health Assembly policy meeting in May, the WHO said.
"This is a historic moment and a show, that with or without the U.S., countries are committed to working together and to the power of multilateralism," Nina Schwalbe the founder of global health think tank Spark Street Advisors, told Reuters.
Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team. Weekdays Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Weekdays Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.
Weekly Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Weekly Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Weekly Love footy? We've got all the action covered.
Weekly The latest news, results & expert analysis. Weekly Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Weekdays Sharp.
Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
Twice weekly Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Twice weekly Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Weekly Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.
As it happens Be the first to know when news breaks. Daily Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Daily Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia.
Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement.
