The Future of Pandemic Response Under Discussion: WHO and HHS Negotiation, Call to Action

The world is currently facing a crucial moment for global health, with members of the World Health Organization (WHO) negotiating a new international instrument for the prevention, preparedness, and response to pandemics. In this context, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeks public input on key issues through a Notice and Request for Comments on the Implications of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Commitments/Regimes and Other Proposed Commitments.

World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating international activities in the field of health. Founded in 1948, the WHO is committed to improving global health, monitoring global health trends, providing technical assistance, and promoting collaboration among countries to address common health challenges. It implements programs and initiatives to prevent diseases, improve maternal and child health, address health emergencies, and promote research and development in the health sector.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): The United States Department of Health and Human Services is the government agency responsible for ensuring public health and the well-being of the American population. The HHS oversees a wide range of activities, including medical research, disease prevention, healthcare management, healthcare delivery, and response to health emergencies. Additionally, the HHS plays a key role in intellectual property matters in the medical sector and in shaping U.S. health policies.

Contribute to the Discussion: Contributing to the discussion means actively participating in the process of formulating and defining policies, in this case, related to the prevention, preparedness, and response to pandemics. Individuals, organizations, and experts are invited to share their opinions, experiences, knowledge, and proposals to influence the direction of future international health agreements.

What the Agreement Entails: The proposed international agreement pertains to the prevention, preparedness, and response to pandemics. Contributing to the discussion on this agreement involves providing comments and suggestions in response to questions posed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Inputs may cover a wide range of topics, including drug research and development, sustainable production of medical countermeasures, technology and knowledge transfer, equitable access to samples and data, and the creation of a global supply chain and logistics network.

Participating in this process allows individuals and organizations to directly influence the U.S. negotiating position and contribute to the creation of a more effective international framework for addressing global health challenges. The final agreement could have significant impacts on pandemic response capabilities, access to treatments, and international cooperation in the health sector.

The Future of Pandemic Response: An American Vision: The article aims to explore the crucial role of the United States in shaping the future of global pandemic response, through the active involvement of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of State. The United States supports the negotiation process to develop an international agreement that strengthens global capacity for prevention, preparedness, and response to health emergencies worldwide.

Encouraging Research and Development: Let's analyze Article 9 of the Negotiating Text, which proposes approaches to incentivize research and development, including cross-sector collaboration and community participation. We will explore how governments, research institutes, and the private sector can be encouraged to actively participate in addressing emerging pathogens.

Sustainable Production for Medical Countermeasures: Article 10 addresses the sustainable production of medical countermeasures (MCM). We will examine the proposed incentives for royalty-free licenses and transparent publication of license agreements, evaluating how this may impact public health, business interests, and innovation.

Technology and Knowledge Transfer: Article 11 explores technology and knowledge transfer for MCM production. We will discuss the proposed measures to promote technology and knowledge sharing, assessing the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms and governments' approach to facilitating this process.

Access and Benefit Sharing: Article 12 addresses access and benefit sharing, with a focus on the importance of sharing samples and data for the rapid development of vaccines and therapies. We will examine potential obstacles and the impact of financial demands for access, considering available alternatives.

Global Supply Chain and Logistics: We will conclude by exploring Article 13, which proposes a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network. We will discuss the proposed functions, exploring whether they should be institutionalized and how the United States can encourage stakeholder participation.

Role of Other Entities and Organizations 1. Office for Global Affairs: The Office for Global Affairs is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Its main role is to coordinate the department's international activities, including efforts related to public health and global emergency response. In this context, the office plays a key role in representing U.S. interests in international negotiations on pandemic prevention.

2. Department of State: The United States Department of State is responsible for the country's foreign relations. In the context of global health, it collaborates with HHS to lead the U.S. delegation in international negotiations on pandemic prevention. The Department of State plays a diplomatic role, contributing to building relationships with other countries and international organizations to ensure collaboration and the success of joint efforts.

3. United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): Referenced in the article through the words of Kathi Vidal, the USPTO is a U.S. government agency that manages patents and registered trademarks. In the context of pandemic prevention, the USPTO plays a crucial role in facilitating innovation and the rapid availability of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies. The agency is involved in shaping intellectual property policies that can influence the production and distribution of products crucial to public health.

4. Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB): The INB is an intergovernmental body established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to guide negotiations on the new international agreement on pandemic prevention. It represents various regions of the world and is tasked with drafting and negotiating an agreement, convention, or international instrument that strengthens global capacity to respond to health emergencies.

5. Stakeholders: The term "stakeholders" refers to all interested actors involved in public health and pandemic prevention. These may include national governments, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, non-governmental organizations, scientific academies, health professionals, and other entities with an interest in shaping global health policies and international agreements.

Contribute to the Discussion: Contributing to the discussion means providing comments, answers to questions, and suggestions on the proposed agreement draft. Stakeholders, who may come from different sectors and regions, are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives to influence the decision-making process and ensure that the agreement reflects global needs and challenges fairly and effectively. Active participation of diverse stakeholders is essential to developing comprehensive and sustainable solutions for global health.

Technical Glossary: WHO (World Health Organization): Specialized agency of the United Nations founded in 1948. Responsible for coordinating international activities in the field of health, monitoring global health trends, and promoting collaboration among countries to address common challenges. HHS (Department of Health and Human Services): U.S. government department responsible for ensuring public health and the well-being of the American population. Oversees a wide range of activities, including medical research, disease prevention, healthcare delivery, and response to health emergencies. Office for Global Affairs: Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Coordinates the department's international activities, including efforts related to public health and global emergencies. Department of State: U.S. government department responsible for foreign relations. Collaborates with HHS to lead the U.S. delegation in international negotiations on pandemic prevention. USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office): U.S. government agency that manages patents and registered trademarks. Involved in shaping intellectual property policies affecting the production and distribution of products crucial to public health. INB (Intergovernmental Negotiating Body): Intergovernmental body established by WHO to guide negotiations on the new international agreement on pandemic prevention. Represents various regions of the world and is tasked with drafting and negotiating the agreement. Stakeholders: Actors involved in public health and pandemic prevention. May include national governments, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, scientific academies, and other entities with an interest in shaping global health policies. Contribute to the Discussion: Actively participate in the process of formulating and defining policies by providing comments, answers to questions, and suggestions to influence the direction of international health agreements. International Agreement on Pandemic Prevention: Refers to the potential new legal instrument that the INB is negotiating under the auspices of WHO. Aims to strengthen global capacity for the prevention, preparedness, and response to pandemics. Intellectual Property: Refers to legal rights granted to individuals or companies for their inventions, trademarks, artistic works, and other results of human ingenuity. Global Health: Concept emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to address global health challenges, ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare. Research and Development (R&D): Process aimed at discovering new knowledge and applying this knowledge to develop new drugs, vaccines, and medical treatments. Global Supply Chain and Logistics: System involving the production, distribution, and management of materials necessary for the production of goods and services, in this context, medical countermeasures. Equitable Access: Principle emphasizing the need to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to benefit from healthcare resources and medical advances, regardless of their geographic location or economic situation. Health Emergency: Situation requiring an immediate response due to a threat to public health, such as a pandemic or epidemic. ABS : Access and Benefit Sharing WHO : World Health Organization HHS : Department of Health and Human Services R&D : Research and Development MCM : Medical Countermeasures SCL : Global Supply Chain and Logistics PABS : Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System The future of pandemic response requires global and cooperative commitment. The United States, through HHS, seeks public input to shape their negotiating position. The article invites readers, experts, and stakeholders to contribute to this crucial discussion to shape a safer and more resilient future. Pandemic response is a global challenge, and only through collaboration can we successfully address it.

Useful Links Link to WHO PDF Link to Federal Register Notice