- World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus called for a global pandemic treaty during his speech at the World Economic Forum, emphasizing the need to prepare for the hypothetical threat known as “Disease X.”
- Ghebreyesus expressed hope that countries would agree to the treaty by May to collectively address this potential “common enemy.”
Disease X: An Unknown Threat
“Disease X” is a theoretical virus that has not yet emerged, but scientists suggest it could be up to 20 times deadlier than COVID-19. Added to the WHO’s list of potential pathogens in 2017, it represents a severe international epidemic risk.
Lessons from COVID-19
WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus highlighted COVID-19 as the first instance of Disease X and stressed the importance of proactive preparation for future pandemics. He emphasized the need for a treaty to facilitate a coordinated global response, ensuring effective management and resource allocation during health crises.
Global Collaboration for Future Preparedness
“The pandemic agreement can bring all the experience, all the challenges that we have faced, and all the solutions into one,” Ghebreyesus stated. He advocated for a collective effort, transcending national interests, to enhance global preparedness through mechanisms like early-warning systems, streamlined supply chains, and advanced research and development.
Treaty Deadline and Concerns
Ghebreyesus revealed that independent panels and experts are working on the treaty, with a targeted signing deadline in May. The proposed treaty aims for a comprehensive, all-encompassing approach involving governments and societies worldwide. While acknowledging concerns about sovereignty, Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of prioritizing global interests over narrow national concerns.
Biden Administration’s Involvement
The Biden administration engaged in negotiations for the global pandemic treaty in 2023. However, critics, particularly from the GOP, voiced concerns about potential sovereignty implications and the vague nature of the treaty.
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Source: Fox News
