WMA Statement on the benefits of developing a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic preparedness and response

THE WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
L’ASSOCIATION MEDICALE MONDIALE, INC
ASOCIACION MEDICA MUNDIAL, INC
Centre International de Bureaux FEIN : 13-2566243
Immeuble A “Keynes” Website : www.wma.net Postal Address :
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01210 FERNEY-VOLTAIRE Fax : (33) 4 50 40 59 37 01210 FERNEY-VOLTAIRE Cedex
France E-mail address : wma@wma.net France
World Health Assembly Second Special Session (WHASS2)
November 2021
Distinguished Delegates,
Since the beginning of the pandemic, physicians and other health personnel are on the frontline and
the ones who have been the most severely impacted (workload, violence, lack of PPE). The death
toll of health personnel due to the pandemic is intolerable.
We strongly support the development of a WHO instrument grounded primarily on equity in
prevention, preparedness and response to health emergencies and the reinforcement of health
systems. The capacity of Member States to agree jointly on the urgent need for a robust legally
binding instrument would be a promising indication of their authentic commitment and readiness to
finally work together for the health and well-being of all people.
Echoing the Working Group recommendation to work in an inclusive and transparent manner, we
demand that health professionals are fully included in the future negotiating body in charge of
developing a WHO instrument on pandemic preparedness and response.
Thank you.