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PREZODE was invited to participate, as an observer, in the 9th meeting of the negotiations of the WHO Pandemic Agreement organised by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body

In December 2021, WHO’s Member States decided at a Special Session of the World Health Assembly to establish an intergovernmental negotiating body (INB), representing all regions of the world, to draft and negotiate a WHO agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

In support of the INB process, broad global consultation was sought from Member States, relevant stakeholders, and experts. PREZODE was invited, as an observer, to bring its comments during the plenary session of the 9th meeting, on March 18, 2024.

On behalf of the PREZODE community, the president of its General Assembly, Dr. Papa Seck, underlined the crucial need to integrate proactive prevention along with preparedness strategies. He stated: “Combating unknown pathogens presents significant challenges. We must understand the characteristics of emerging pathogens as well as the factors driving their increasing rate of emergence. We must address upstream emergence causes such as wildlife trade and markets, intensive breeding in low biosecurity settings, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and climate change. “

He recalled the fundamental role research plays in developing effective prevention strategies and engaging the international and local communities at the environmental, animal, and public health interface.

As a science-driven initiative and impact-oriented, PREZODE reaffirmed its willingness to support countries to implement articles 4 and 5 about Pandemic prevention, public health surveillance, and preparedness through a One Health approach”.

The submission of the WHO’s INB final outcome is expected for the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, in May 2024.

photo © WHO / Pierre Albouy