Here's What PM Anwar Said After Countries Failed To Agree On The Bold Pandemic Treaty
The negotiations aimed to correct the course of things, addressing issues such as the lack of preparedness many countries faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and halting the hoarding of vaccines and treatments by wealthier nations.
By Sadho Ram — 28 May 2024, 05:52 PM
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a statement to the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, has called for fairness and cooperation in discussions regarding the revision of International Health Regulations (IHR) and the development of a pandemic treaty
Anwar's remarks, delivered via a video yesterday, 27 May, come after 194 countries recently failed to agree on the proposed terms of the International Treaty on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (Pandemic Treaty), which aimed to unify the world against the next inevitable pandemic.
The negotiations aimed to correct the course of things, addressing issues such as the lack of preparedness many countries faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and halting the hoarding of vaccines and treatments by wealthier nations.
While acknowledging the challenges in reaching a consensus on the pandemic treaty and amendments to the IHR, Anwar stressed that prioritising the right to health requires collective efforts to address existing inequities and strengthen preparedness for future public health emergencies.
"I wish to stress that equity must underpin any agreement to meaningfully improve our collective pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Collaboration will be key moving forward and balancing resources with the objective of global public health is therefore essential.
"Only then can we truly address the gaps and inequities in preventing and responding to pandemics and other health emergencies, while safeguarding the sovereign rights of our nation together. I am confident that we can make transformative changes with lasting outcomes and legacy," he said.
Delegates arrive for the opening of the 77th World Health Assembly at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland yesterday, 27 May.
Image via Salvatore Di Nolfi/KeystoneAnwar's message comes in the aftermath of discussions on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body platform for the Pandemic Treaty and the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations, aimed at targeted revisions to the existing IHR framework
The prime minister further emphasised Malaysia's commitment to ensuring universal access to essential and quality healthcare services, regardless of an individual's background or socioeconomic status.
Meanwhile, Anwar also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging the international community to take stronger action to stop the atrocities and ensure accountability moving forward following the dire situation faced by Palestinians, including famine and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure.
"Not only are they facing famine, malnutrition, and diseases, but their hospitals have been bombed by the Israelis, with medical workers and humanitarian volunteers being killed indiscriminately," he said.
Earlier, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad had stressed that Malaysia would only sign the Pandemic Treaty if the powers of the Agong, royal dignity, and national sovereignty are guaranteed
According to Dr Dzulkefly, Malaysia's participation in any international negotiations for developing instruments is aimed at safeguarding the nation's public health interests, adhering to three core principles: the sovereignty of the nation, the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and the rulers remaining intact.
Additionally, developed countries must assist developing nations in ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of resources, and prevent monopolisation by developed countries alone, he said.
"If the instrument to be finalised is found to prioritise the fundamental principles upheld, especially the sovereignty of the nation, MOH will elevate it to the Cabinet for approval for the government to sign the instrument. Until then, the government is not bound by the said instrument," he added.
