MINSK, 9 December (BelTA) – The World Health Assembly (WHA) has embarked on the work on a new international document on pandemics. This decision was announced at the WHA special session that took place in a mixed format from 29 November to 1 December. Belarus' delegation at the conference was led by Healthcare Minister Dmitry Pinevich (via video link), BelTA informs citing the press service of the Healthcare Ministry.
“In a consensus decision aimed at protecting the world from future infectious diseases crises, the World Health Assembly agreed to kickstart a global process to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the Constitution of the World Health Organization to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response,” the press release of the Healthcare Ministry reads.
The decision by the World Health Assembly is historic in nature, vital in its mission, and represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen the global health architecture to protect and promote the well-being of all people.
The decision by the Assembly establishes an intergovernmental negotiating body (INB) to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, with a view to adoption under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, or other provisions of the Constitution as may be deemed appropriate by the INB.
Article 19 of the WHO Constitution provides the World Health Assembly with the authority to adopt conventions or agreements on any matter within WHO's competence. The sole instrument established under Article 19 to date is the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which has made a significant and rapid contribution to protecting people from tobacco since its entry into force in 2005.
The participation of the Belarusian delegation in the WHA special session allowed communicating to the international community the country's position, including as a member of the WHO Executive Board, on one of the most important issues - strengthening the capacity of WHO and member countries to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dmitry Pinevich assured that Belarus is ready to actively and constructively participate in negotiations on the development of a new international document on pandemics.
