Geneva Health Forum 2024

The WHO Pandemic Treaty and a New Way of Designing Health Policy

Not scheduled

15m

Geneva

Oral presentation Migration, health and equity

Description

Introduction – Objectives:

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of healthcare systems worldwide and highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in global health governance. The WHO's flagship Pandemic Prevention Preparedness and Response Instrument offers a crucial opportunity to chart a new course, but its effectiveness hinges on prioritizing equity, especially for vulnerable communities at the human-animal-environment interface. Achieving this goal demands a transformation in the way international institutions and governments approach health policy. This presentation delves into the paradigm shifts that underpin this new approach, emphasizing the central role of One Health. It also outlines the changes needed from the international community to enable these advancements.

Methodology:

The results of this study were obtained through extensive literature review and expert consultations. Previous research on key principles and approaches as well as engagement with policy makers and experts on “One Health”, “Pandemic Agreement”, “WHO”, “animal health”, “zoonosis”, “prevention at source”, “spillover” was systematically conducted and insights were, analysed and sythesized.

Results and Discussions:

Human activities such as wildlife trade, live animal markets, and fur farming present numerous and unpredictable chances for pathogens to spread and undergo mutations, potentially leading to the emergence of zoonotic diseases.

Factory farming is a key driver of habitat destruction, deforestation, a breeding ground for pathogens to emerge and mutate (bird flu) and a major contributor to AMR.

Transitioning to more sustainable and balanced farming and food systems, while simultaneously phasing out high-risk practices such as fur farming and wildlife trade, will not only guarantee food security but also improve animal welfare. By doing so, the risk of disease emergence and transmission between animals and humans can be significantly reduced.

Prevention means investing in Health for All: shifting from an economy of profit towards an economy of wellbeing.

In order to safeguard human health from pandemics and promote equity, Member States must address the underlying factors that drive disease outbreaks by adopting a comprehensive One Health strategy.

Effective prevention via a One Health approach will be achieved if the pandemic instrument involves institutions specialized in protecting human, animal and environmental health. The WHO instrument must include measures for coordination across legal instruments, institutions and funding mechanisms covering the entire prevention, preparedness and response pathway.

Conclusions:

Combating future pandemics requires a fundamental transformation in how we approach health policy. Achieving comprehensive health for all will necessitate a collective effort that encompasses all levels of government and society. Promising developments are emerging, many of which are centered on implementing a One Health approach. Decision-makers responsible for negotiating the pandemic agreement have a remarkable chance to create a legal instrument that can safeguard us all, prioritize health outcomes, and elevate societal well-being above economic growth in international and national policies.