UN tries to build momentum on pandemic preparedness, but hits a speed bump
Countries split over a draft declaration as officials pressed for stronger financing, surveillance and equitable access to vaccines and medicines.
- On Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, members of the United Nations General Assembly failed to reach consensus on a pandemic preparedness declaration during the 81st session, leaving the document's future uncertain.
- Proponents argue the proposed document would improve much-needed collaboration and risk monitoring, yet the international community remains divided over accountability concerns and financing efficiency.
- The European Union criticized the draft's financing accountability, while The United States objected to mentions of "divisive ideologies" and a separate arrangement for countries to share virus samples.
- World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged member states to finalize the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system, warning that further delays cost all countries dearly.
- Amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, officials emphasized that the next pandemic is a matter of when, not if, underscoring urgency for rapid agreement.
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LatestlyHealth Secretary Punya Srivastava reaffirms global pandemic preparedness commitment at UN meet in New York
She spoke of the country’s efforts to expand laboratory networks, emergency coordination, health workforce, stockpiles and clinical care capacity to ensure that systems are equipped to respond effectively to health emergencies.
The Director General of WHO recalled that in 2017, when asked if the world was ready for a new pandemic, his response was "no" and two years later the covid-19 came.
Associated Press News
UN tries to build momentum on pandemic preparedness, but hits a speed bump
Six years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the U.N. General Assembly’s leader and health officials are seeking to make sure that the lurking possibility of another worldwide disease emergency stays on the global agenda.
Africa: WHO Director-General's remarks at the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response
New York -- Your Excellency Dr Khalilur Rahman, President of the General Assembly, Your Excellency Amar Bendjama, President of ECOSOC, My sister, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed, The Right Honourable Helen Clark, Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends,
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