Several global health experts are expressing disappointment over a newly leaked draft of the pandemic accord circulating during the World Health Assembly, saying it’s a “step backwards” for equity.
The new 42-page, “unedited” draft, first reported by Health Policy Watch, includes several text options for member states to consider, or delete altogether. It’s a compilation of feedback and suggestions made on the zero draft released in February. The accord is meant to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Negotiations are ongoing on the draft, and several meetings are planned between now and the next World Health Assembly in May 2024, where its report will be considered for adoption.
Some texts that civil society cheered on in the zero draft aren’t found in the new draft, such as including conditions on publicly funded research and development.
About the author
Jenny Lei Ravelo@JennyLeiRavelo
Jenny Lei Ravelo is a Devex Senior Reporter based in Manila. She covers global health, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization, and other development and humanitarian aid trends in Asia Pacific. Prior to Devex, she wrote for ABS-CBN, one of the largest broadcasting networks in the Philippines, and was a copy editor for various international scientific journals. She received her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
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