The 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) took place between 19th of February and 1st of March and was a crucial step toward enhancing global efforts for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR). INB8 focused on refining textual proposals across various chapters to ensure coherence and effectiveness in these efforts. Discussions emphasized the importance of a future-proof text grounded in science and evidence, aiming for resilience in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This commitment seeks synergy and coherence with existing international instruments such as the International Health Regulations (IHR), currently under revision.
WVA’s recommendations
The WVA emphasizes the need for a robust “One Health” approach in pandemic prevention and response and highlights that the fight against global health threats is a shared responsibility, requiring solidarity and collaboration to ensure equity in the response, thus mitigating future pandemic risks.
The One Health approach rightly integrates various sectors and international collaboration and is the strongest in preventing pathogen spillover at the source. Addressing the animal-human interface is crucial in this approach since 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals.
It should also be pointed out that a complementary approach to the International Health Regulations (IHR) is needed to close critical gaps in the Pandemic PPR, ideally through the development of comprehensive guidelines, standards, and recommendations and get capacity building support to operationalize and implement the One Health approach.
Roadmap: From INB 8, INB9 and WHA 77
INB8 set the stage for intensive negotiations, aiming to conclude all articles and ensure coherence. Subsequently, INB9 will serve as a platform for substantive negotiations. The ultimate goal is the adoption of a Pandemic Agreement at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA 77) in May 2024.
Member States are urged to adopt a constructive approach, prioritizing consensus-building and equity. The urgency to deliver the Pandemic Agreement by May 2024 cannot be overstated. WVA Members are urged to take part in local and regional conversations on the importance of clear inclusion of One Health.
A4AH Coalition
As negotiations near their conclusion, the A4AH Coalition urges all member states to recognize the critical importance of swift detection and response to zoonotic diseases in animals as a fundamental measure to safeguard against future pandemics. Stressing the imperative of collaboration between the human health sector and veterinary services, the WVA, as part of the Action for Animal Health Coalition, has actively contributed recommendations to enhance the draft agreement.