WHO member countries enhance global preparedness for pandemics
- Member countries of the World Health Organization approved new steps to boost global preparedness for pandemics.
- The measures aim to better brace for outbreaks like COVID-19 and improve response to dangerous health crises.
- The decision reflects a commitment to strengthening international health regulations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that member countries agreed on new steps to improve global readiness for pandemics like COVID-19 and mpox. They decided to change the International Health Regulations, which were made in 2005. This includes defining a "pandemic emergency" and helping developing countries get better access to money and medical supplies. The decision was made during the six-day World Health Assembly. They plan to finish discussions on the pandemic agreement by the end of the year. Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert, praised the decision as a big step for health safety. WHO explained that a pandemic emergency is a disease that spreads widely and overwhelms national health systems. It can also cause significant economic and social problems, needing fast international action. Yuanqiong Hu from Doctors without Borders mentioned that the changes made on Saturday focus on fair access to health products during global health crises.