WHO: Rich countries must do more to fight pandemics – 05/23/2023 – Equilibrium and Health

Richer countries should be asked to do more to help the world deal with pandemics, according to a new draft of a treaty being discussed at the World Health Organization (WHO).

Countries with more “capabilities and resources” should assume a “proportionate degree” of responsibility for preparing for and responding to global health threats, suggests the draft, seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

The treaty, a legally binding agreement being negotiated by WHO member states, aims to address what it calls the international community’s “catastrophic failure” to fight Covid-19 fairly around the world.

Covid has killed an estimated 7 million people since it emerged in China in late 2019, disrupting the global economy and devastating communities. More than 750 million infections have been recorded.

The 42-page document also seeks to help the world evolve after Covid. Member States have the option to remove several paragraphs in future negotiations, including those on responsibilities.

Sections that proved controversial in previous drafts, including on intellectual property and reserving 20% ​​of tests, treatments and vaccines for WHO to distribute to poorer countries during emergencies, remain in the new draft but could still be removed. No provisions on pandemic countermeasures existed during the Covid pandemic.

The document also defines “pandemic”, one of several sticking points that have already occupied time for discussion, as “the global spread of a pathogen or variant” that spreads easily, is dangerous, overwhelms health systems and requires international coordination.