Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, warned that just as error and disinformation undermined the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they undermined efforts “to keep the world safe from future pandemics.”
He drew comparisons to the tobacco industry’s efforts to derail negotiations on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“The same thing happened today. Interest groups falsely claim that the agreement is a power grab from the WHO, and that it will stifle innovation and research. Both claims are completely false,” Tedros continued.
“I must make it clear: those who peddle lies about this historic agreement are endangering the health and safety of future generations.”
‘WHO is not a party to the agreement’
The head of the WHO also emphasized that the agreement is between countries, and only countries.
“WHO will not be a party,” he said, saying that If two companies enter into a business contract, and use lawyers to help them develop it, “that does not give the lawyers control over contract, nor make the lawyers a party to it.”
“It’s the same here.”
The pandemic agreement aims to promote unity and equality among countries in making an effective response to the pandemic. The negotiations on the document were carried out by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which was established by the WHO members of the World Health Assembly.
WHO provides support to the INB secretariat, supports the organization of meetings and facilitates the participation of experts, UN agencies, and other stakeholders.
Heatwaves stress health systems
Tedros also emphasized that extreme heat, driven by the El Niño weather pattern and climate change, amplifies previous conditions and puts more pressure on health systems.
“Extreme heat takes its greatest toll on those least able to manage its consequences, such as the elderly, infants and children, and the poor and homeless,” he said. .
In collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), WHO supports countries in developing heat health action plans to coordinate preparedness and reduce the health effects of extreme heat.
Don’t let COVID-19 catch you off guard
In his briefing, the WHO Director-General also spoke about the outbreak of 29 cases of H5N1 avian influenza in cats, in Poland; the rebound of immunization services after the COVID-19 disruptions; and the impact of poverty on rehabilitation services for those in need.
“For most people, rehabilitation services, including assistive technologies, are often out-of-pocket costs that they cannot afford. Ensuring access to quality rehabilitation services, without’ y financial difficulties, is an important part of every country’s journey towards universal health coverage,” he said.
Tedros also urged everyone not to let their guard down against COVID-19, as cases and deaths continue to be reported from around the world.
“WHO continues to advise people at high risk to wear masks in many places, to get boosters when recommended, and to ensure adequate ventilation indoors,” he said, appealing to governments not to dismantle the systems established to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic but rather to uphold and sustain them.