Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, cautioned that just as mis- and disinformation undermined the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are undermining efforts “to keep the world safer from future pandemics.”
He drew comparisons with the efforts by the tobacco industry to derail negotiations at the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“The same thing is happening now. Groups with vested interests are claiming falsely that the accord is a power grab by WHO, and that it will stymie innovation and research. Both claims are completely false,” Tedros continued.
“I need to put this plainly: those who peddle lies about this historic agreement are endangering the health and safety of future generations.”
The head of WHO also emphasized that the agreement is between countries, and countries alone.
“WHO will not be a party,” he said, noting that If two companies enter into a business contract, and use lawyers to help them develop it, “that doesn’t give the lawyers control over the contract, nor make the lawyers a party to it.”
“It’s the same here.”
The pandemic accord aims to promote solidarity and equity among countries in forging an effective pandemic response. Negotiations on the document are held at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which was established by WHO members at the World Health Assembly.
WHO provides secretariat support to the INB, supporting the organization of the meetings and...
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