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| - Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook post claims that the WHO has abandoned the Pandemic Treaty. The WHO Treaty debate has been ongoing for a long time now. We fact checked and termed it as false.
The Claim
According to the Facebook post, “BREAKING: The WHO has abandoned its contentious “Pandemic Treaty” following public discourse and backlash!”
Fact Check
Is it true that the WHO has abandoned the Pandemic Treaty?
No, The WHO has not abandoned the Pandemic Treaty. The claim that the World Health Organization stopped working on a plan to prevent and handle future pandemics isn’t true. Since late 2021, WHO members, including the U.S., have been discussing how to make a global agreement to tackle pandemics. They’ve been talking about it in meetings called the “WHO treaty debate.” These talks are led by a group called the WHO’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body.
There’s no such news implying the ‘WHO takes back the treaty’. The latest version of the proposed treaty came out on the April 22. It is still present on the WHO website. It talks about preventing pandemics, training healthcare workers, managing supply chains, and sharing information.
People saying the WHO gave up on this plan have no evidence. The talks are still going on and might finish by late May. This shows that the WHO is serious about making a treaty to deal with future pandemics.
It’s also important to remember that the WHO has the power to negotiate treaties. So, if there really were any big changes, they would be the ones to announce it. But for now, everything points to them still working on it.
What is the WHO Treaty Debate and its importance in global health?
The WHO Treaty Debate refers to the ongoing discussions among member states of the WHO to establish a global accord. This is aimed at preventing and responding to future pandemics. These discussions are important for addressing the shortcomings highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Treaty also aims to secure international cooperation in public health emergencies.
The importance of the WHO Treaty Debate in global health lies in its potential to enhance preparedness, strengthen health systems, and promote equitable access to healthcare resources. It would also facilitate rapid response mechanisms across borders. By encouraging collaboration among nations, the treaty intends to mitigate the impact of future pandemics. Thereby, safeguarding the health and well-being of populations worldwide.
What are the key provisions of the latest draft of the WHO Pandemic Treaty?
The key provisions of the latest draft of the WHO Pandemic Treaty comprises a range of measures aimed at enhancing global preparedness and response to future pandemics. These provisions include:
- Early Detection and Surveillance: Implementing systems for early detection and surveillance of infectious diseases to facilitate timely response efforts.
- Information Sharing: Promoting rapid and transparent sharing of information and resources among member states to facilitate coordinated responses to pandemics.
- Healthcare Systems Strengthening: Strengthening healthcare systems to ensure they are resilient and equipped to handle increased demands during pandemics.
- Supply Chain Management: Enhancing supply chain management to ensure timely access to vaccines, treatments, and medical supplies during health emergencies.
- Equitable Access: Promoting equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and medical supplies, particularly for vulnerable populations and countries with limited resources.
- International Cooperation: Fostering international cooperation and collaboration to address cross-border health threats and promote solidarity among nations.
- Transparency and Accountability: Emphasising the importance of transparency, accountability, and solidarity among member states in pandemic response efforts.
What are the implications of false claims regarding the WHO’s Pandemic Treaty efforts?
False claims regarding the WHO’s pandemic treaty efforts can have significant consequences. Firstly, such claims can destroy public trust in the WHO and its ability to effectively address global health challenges. Misinformation may lead to confusion and scepticism among the public. This hinders efforts to promote adherence to public health guidelines. Since the inception of Pandemic Treaty, it has been a subject of false claims. For instance, there’s a viral movement, the Awaken India Movement, which alleges that the WHO will be taking over the Indian government, due to this treaty.
Moreover, false claims can undermine international cooperation and collaboration in pandemic response efforts. By spreading misinformation about the WHO’s initiatives, there is a risk of discord among member states. It also impedes progress towards collective solutions to global health catastrophes.
To add more, false claims may divert attention and resources away from genuine efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response. Instead of focusing on constructive dialogue and collaboration, efforts may be wasted in addressing and refuting misinformation. Thus, detracting from the real issues at hand.
We have refuted several false claims related to WHO earlier as well: Is the WHO asserting authority over member Nations’ sovereignty? Does the WHO seek surveillance powers to monitor people? Has WHO formed a police force to safeguard online content?
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