Table 2 Key provisions of the “pandemic agreement”
From: IHR amendments and the “pandemic agreement” an Israeli perspective
Topic | Agreed Upon | Still Under Debate | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Definition and Declaration of a Pandemic | Basic framework agreed | Specific means and procedures | Establishes a clear global standard for pandemic response activation. | Differences in national perspectives can complicate timely consensus. |
Integration with the IHR | Some alignment strategies | How both frameworks will coexist without overlap | Ensures comprehensive global health laws | Potential for jurisdictional confusion |
Equity in Global Supply Chain | General commitment to equity | Mechanisms to ensure fair distribution of medical resources | Promotes fair access to diagnostics, medicines, vaccines and technologies | Intellectual property rights and economic implications for pharmaceutical companies and countries |
One Health | A recognized approach | Specific strategies and implementations under this framework | Encourages integrated health strategies that recognize the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health | Challenges in aligning policies and practices across various sectors and regions, due to differing priorities and resources. |
Financial Mechanisms | Recognizing the need for financing | Specifics of new financial mechanisms and contributions | Ensures funded readiness and response capabilities | Disagreements on contributions. |
Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property | Recognized importance | Non-voluntary provisions like waivers during emergencies | Accelerates access to crucial technologies | Some nations with strong pharmaceutical industries resist |
Governance | Framework established | Specific roles and powers of the Governing Body | Creates a structured oversight body | Power dynamics could skew equity efforts |