Official speaker list from the World Health Organization

WHA77 in Geneva: Pandemic Treaty Stalls, Tedros Confident on Future Deal

May 26, 2024, 07:12 PM

The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA77) in Geneva has seen a significant setback as member states failed to finalize a draft treaty aimed at improving global pandemic preparedness. Despite over two years of negotiations, the treaty, which sought to address disparities in COVID-19 vaccine distribution between rich and poor countries, could not be agreed upon at the assembly starting Monday. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged the delay but remained optimistic, stating, 'This is not a failure.' The assembly will now focus on reinforcing pandemic preparedness and making critical decisions to advance global health. President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados were among the notable figures addressing the assembly, with Mottley receiving the Director-General’s Award for Global Health.