Deadline looms as global pandemic pact talks stall

Negotiators from the World Health Organization's 194 member states are racing against time to finalize a global pact aimed at bolstering defenses against future pandemics. However, three sources close to the negotiations revealed that talks are likely to miss the initial deadline set for Friday.

The negotiators had hoped to produce a final draft agreement by the end of Friday, with plans to adopt the legally-binding text at the upcoming World Health Assembly later this month. Unfortunately, key sticking points have emerged, causing delays in the process.

"There is no chance at all of us reaching agreement by Friday," lamented one Western diplomat, highlighting the complexity of the negotiations.

The proposed pact, intended to complement existing rules on pandemic management, seeks to enhance global preparedness following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, deep disagreements, particularly regarding equity issues, have complicated the negotiation process. Moreover, the treaty has become politicized in some countries, further impeding progress.

Roland Driece, one of the co-chairs of the intergovernmental negotiating body, acknowledged the challenges ahead. "Talks will continue until Friday night, 00.00 hours. Then, we will discuss where we stand and what needs to be done," he stated.

Despite the setbacks, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed confidence in finalizing the agreement in time for the World Health Assembly.

One of the treaty's contentious elements, the "pathogen access and benefits system," has been deferred for future discussion, along with concerns about vaccine sharing. While most countries support fairer vaccine access, details such as fixed percentages remain unresolved.

The existing agreement governing pandemic influenza includes provisions for selling vaccines at affordable prices or donating them to the WHO, offering flexibility in negotiations with manufacturers.

Experts warn that political momentum for the pandemic accord could wane if delays persist, especially in an election year for many countries. "It's not over til it's over," remarked Alexandra Phelan, a global health law expert at Johns Hopkins University. "But over is rapidly approaching."