Global talks on joint pandemic treaty collapse: What’s next?

Global talks over developing a joint pandemic treaty hit a roadblock last week, leaving a crucial global health strategy in limbo. Delegations from participating countries failed to reach an agreement on the proposed treaty, citing disagreements on various issues that were deemed to threaten national interests.

The ambitious negotiations led by the World Health Organization (WHO) have been ongoing for over two years, with the aim of creating a global strategy to better prepare for future public health emergencies, drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A final proposal for what could have been the world’s first pandemic convention was scheduled to be presented at the Geneva World Health Assembly where health ministers are convening. However, without a final text to present, WHO officials are relying on an intervention from the ministers to steer countries towards a consensus.

The proposed treaty aimed to address critical issues such as sharing data and resources among countries, bridging the gap in vaccine access between rich and poor nations, establishing a common fund for low and middle-income countries, and ensuring transparency in deals with private companies involved in pandemic response efforts.

The breakdown in talks stemmed from disagreements over intellectual property rights and sharing information on disease-causing pathogens and technologies. The United States faced political resistance to the treaty, with concerns raised over giving the WHO powers that could infringe on national sovereignty. The United Kingdom also emphasized the importance of protecting national interests.

Despite the setback, experts emphasize the importance of having a plan in place to respond more effectively to future pandemics, given the persistent global challenges that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis.

The focus now shifts to the World Health Assembly meeting, where ministers will review the outcomes of the stalled talks and seek a way forward in negotiations. While there is hope for progress, the contentious issues surrounding data sharing and surveillance remain key obstacles to reaching a consensus.

As the international community grapples with the complex task of developing a comprehensive pandemic treaty, the stakes remain high in ensuring global health security for the future.