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WHO Chief Urges ‘Now or Never’ Moment for Pandemic Treaty as U.S. Withdraws from Negotiations
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World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared Monday that it is “now or never” for nations to finalize a global pandemic accord, warning that the world cannot afford to delay preparations for future health crises. His remarks come just days after President Donald Trump formally withdrew the United States from the agreement negotiations, signaling a major shift in U.S. global health policy.
Speaking at the opening of the 13th round of negotiations in Geneva, Tedros emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement before the World Health Assembly in May. “It really is a case of now or never. But I am confident that you will choose ‘now’ because you know what is at stake,” he said.
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The draft agreement, which has been in development since December 2021, aims to improve pandemic preparedness, response, and equitable distribution of medical resources. However, disputes remain over provisions such as access to pandemic-related pathogens and the fair allocation of vaccines, treatments, and tests.
U.S. Withdraws, WHO Expresses Regret
President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO was part of an executive order issued hours after his return to office on January 20. The administration formally notified the WHO on Friday that the U.S. would no longer participate in pandemic treaty negotiations. The move reflects Trump’s longstanding criticism of the WHO, particularly over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Like the decision to withdraw from WHO, we regret this decision and we hope the U.S. will reconsider,” Tedros stated, insisting that “no country can protect itself by itself.”
Global Health at a Crossroads
Tedros cited past health crises—Ebola, Marburg virus, measles, mpox, and the ongoing threat of Disease X—as evidence that a global framework is necessary. “The next pandemic is a matter of when, not if,” he warned.
Despite continued talks, the U.S. absence could undermine the treaty’s implementation, as Washington has historically played a dominant role in global health initiatives. Meanwhile, negotiations will continue with the goal of finalizing a draft before the WHO’s annual decision-making assembly.
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February 18, 2025 at 05:06AM
February 18, 2025 at 05:10AM
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