The World Health Assembly is currently negotiating a Draft Pandemic Treaty, also known as the “Zero Draft”. The treaty is aimed at improving global readiness and response to pandemics and global health emergencies. However, there are concerns that provisions addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could be dropped from the final text.
Understanding the Draft Pandemic Treaty or “Zero Draft”
The Draft pandemic treaty is an international agreement proposed to safeguard against future pandemics and global health crises through collective action and preparation. It is championed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its member nations. The treaty’s objective is to reinforce global collaboration and unity in addressing health threats, covering surveillance, detection, notification, and access to health technologies. The treaty respects each country’s sovereign rights while promoting human rights, equity, and solidarity.
Key Components of the Draft
Several critical components form part of the draft. Global cooperation is foremost among these, encouraging enhanced coordination in the preparation and response to pandemics. The treaty underlines the importance of strengthening health systems, particularly in lower-income countries. Additionally, it pleads for improved access to essential health technologies like vaccines during public health emergencies.
An important aspect of the treaty is its call for increased transparency in sharing information about health emergencies. This includes data on disease spread and interventions’ effectiveness. A unique feature is the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), which supports responsible use of pathogens in developing medicines and vaccines. Lastly, the treaty addresses gender disparities in healthcare, underscoring equal pay and removing barriers for women in leadership roles.
The Crucial Role of AMR in the Pandemic Treaty
AMR, the process where microbes become resistant to medicines targeted against them, is crucial to the treaty. These microbes may include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. AMR has been behind the rise of drug-resistant diseases, adding to health risks during pandemics. Removal of AMR-related measures would hinder efforts to protect people from future pandemics.
Impact of Excluding AMR Measures
Exclusion of AMR measures could undermine prevention efforts and may lead to the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections. These measures include access to safe water, infection prevention, surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardipship. Weakening the language could lead to countries opting out of preventive actions.
The Urgency of Addressing AMR in the Pandemic Treaty
AMR’s impact can only be reduced through global collaboration and political action. It forms an integral part of pandemic response and preparedness. The failure to address AMR in the treaty would undermine its broader goals of protecting nations from public health emergencies.
