The 77th World Health Assembly, or WHA (May 27-June 1, 2024), in Geneva, witnessed two significant developments for global health governance. Second, the 77th WHA extended the mandate of the Pandemic Treaty negotiating body, namely, the intergovernmental negotiating body (INB), stipulating that the proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement must be completed as soon as possible. The outcome should be submitted for consideration at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025, or earlier if possible, at a Special Session of the World Health Assembly in 2024. This treaty is not just for the next pandemic but also serves as a blueprint for a more equitable and resilient global health system. Lawrence Gostin is Distinguished Professor and Director, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for National and Global Health Law, O’Neill Institute, Georgetown University

Source: The Hindu July 31, 2024 19:12 UTC