… Says DR Congo Ebola underscores global risk
… Insists, every month of delay leaves world less safe
By Chioma Obinna
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Monday issued a fresh warning that the world remains dangerously exposed to future disease outbreaks, urging countries to put aside differences and conclude negotiations on the landmark global Pandemic Agreement.
Speaking at the opening of the Seventh Meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, Tedros said every delay in finalising the agreement leaves the world less prepared for the next global health emergency.
“The next pandemic will not wait for us to be ready,” he declared, warning delegates that “every month that this Annex remains unfinished is a month the world stays less prepared than it could be.”
His remarks come as countries continue negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annex, a key component of the Pandemic Agreement aimed at ensuring the rapid sharing of pathogen samples and equitable access to vaccines, medicines and diagnostics during future outbreaks.
Tedros acknowledged disappointment that negotiations were not completed in time for adoption at this year’s World Health Assembly, but praised member states for remaining committed to reaching consensus.
“We had all hoped that negotiations on the PABS annex would be complete in time for adoption at this year’s World Health Assembly. That didn’t happen. But that’s not what matters now,” he said.
“What matters is that you are here today. You are ready to keep going.”
Describing the continued negotiations as a victory for global cooperation, the WHO chief said countries had demonstrated that multilateralism remains alive despite growing geopolitical divisions.
“You are proving, with your patience and your persistence, that cooperation is still possible. Dialogue is still possible. Compromise is still possible. And, in time, consensus is still possible too,” he said.
Tedros urged delegates to maintain the spirit of compromise developed during weeks of informal consultations, stressing that the ultimate goal was to ensure that pathogen samples move swiftly across borders and that the benefits arising from them reach vulnerable populations fairly and on time.
He warned that ongoing disease outbreaks illustrate why the agreement cannot be delayed further.
Pointing to the continuing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he said it was a reminder that dangerous pathogens remain an ever-present threat.
“The Ebola outbreak still unfolding in the DRC right now is proof of that. It is not some distant, hypothetical scenario. It is happening,” he said.
Although Ebola may not trigger the next pandemic, Tedros noted that it underscores the need for stronger global preparedness.
He also referenced WHO’s recent declaration ending the hantavirus outbreak linked to international cruise ship travel, describing it as evidence that rapid international collaboration can successfully contain emerging threats.
“That outbreak was contained because people worked together quickly and without hesitation.But it, too, is a reminder, danger can emerge from anywhere, at any time.”
The WHO chief appealed to negotiators to put public health above political differences, stressing that the agreement is ultimately about protecting lives rather than completing an institutional process.
“The differences that remain are real. But they are not impossible to bridge.
“So please, let’s get this done. Not for an institution, not for a process, but for people, real people, real families, left less safe than they deserve to be.”
Tedros assured delegates that WHO would continue providing technical and diplomatic support throughout the negotiations; expressing confidence that consensus remains within reach if countries negotiate with trust, flexibility and a shared commitment to global health security.
