Washington, D.C., 30 September 2024 (PAHO) - In a briefing session of the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), delegates from the countries of the Americas met to exchange information on how to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response to health emergencies in the context of global progress toward a new pandemic accord.
This new instrument is currently under negotiation in a process led by the member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), established in 2021. If finalized, the accord will be critical to more effective prevention and response to future infectious threats with global epidemic and pandemic potential.
"The pandemic accord represents an unprecedented opportunity to improve global health security and protect future generations," said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. "This session allows us to reflect on the important contributions [to the future instrument] made in the Americas, and to discuss next steps to ensure that the world is better prepared for future health emergencies," he added.
During the session, several key articles of the accord were discussed, including Article 12, which addresses pathogen access and benefit-sharing; Article 4, which focuses on pandemic prevention and surveillance; and Article 5, which promotes a "One Health" approach to emergency preparedness and response.
Another key topic was the importance of consistency between the International Health Regulations (IHR–2005) and the future instrument. This alignment is essential to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public health threats.
The discussions reflect the importance of PAHO Member States’ participation in the global negotiations to ensure that the future accord takes into account their needs and specificities. This will help to improve the response to health emergencies and move towards a safer future for all.
PAHO, as the WHO Regional Office for the Americas, has supported the countries of the Region in the deliberations on the accord and has provided them with technical and logistical support to facilitate their participation in the global discussions.
