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Expert comment - World Health Assembly agrees for global treaty to strengthen pandemic prevention

The World Health Assembly has agreed to kickstart a global process to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the Constitution of the World Health Organization to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
Lam Smeeth: "Thisis the beginning of a journey to an accord that will better protect everyone, everywhere, from future pandemics."

Professor Liam Smeeth, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), reacts: "I welcome this important agreement. Although a first step, and there will be bumpy roads ahead, it is the beginning of a journey to an accord that will better protect everyone, everywhere, from future pandemics.

“COVID-19 caught the world off guard and revealed the inequalities in our society to a greater degree than ever before. Low income countries continue to be adversely affected through disturbing moral issues such as vaccine nationalism. Higher income countries must not only step up now, but also ensure this accord is realised.

“Without their commitment, a meaningful agreement could be out of reach.”

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