“The DRC initiates discussions on pandemic treaties and health amendments”
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is actively positioning itself in the international negotiation processes concerning treaties on pandemics and amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005. These negotiations, which are currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, aim to strengthen prevention, preparation and response measures to pandemics.
WHO has brought together Member States to discuss a new legally binding instrument on pandemics to strengthen international cooperation in this crucial area. At the same time, discussions are also underway to amend the International Health Regulations of 2005, which govern public health measures globally. These two processes are closely linked and should culminate at the World Health Assembly in May 2024.
To prepare for its participation in these negotiations, the DRC organized a workshop aimed at formulating its position on the pandemic treaties and the amendments to the IHR. This workshop brought together high-level decision-makers from the different sectors concerned. The objective was to develop a multi-sectoral position for the DRC on the key elements of the draft texts, in order to defend the country’s interests and share its experience in the face of the epidemics which have affected it in recent decades.
The opening of the work was marked by the declaration of the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention, who underlined the importance of this workshop in formulating the proposals and positions of the DRC in the negotiations led by the WHO. The DRC’s designated negotiator, Me Geoffrey Noël Kalala, insisted on the importance of these discussions, which will shape the global health architecture for decades to come.
Several African countries, such as South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia, have already actively participated in the negotiations, coordinated by the African Union. Ethiopia, in particular, presented the position of the African group during the workshop, encouraging participants to fully engage in the upcoming discussions.
The DRC, represented by Me Geoffrey Noël Kalala, will travel to Geneva next week to participate in the fifth meeting of the Working Group on amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). He will thus carry the voice of the DRC and defend the positions formulated during the workshop.
The DRC’s active participation in these negotiations demonstrates the country’s commitment to contributing to the fight against pandemics and the promotion of health at the global level. The DRC, faced with numerous health challenges, is determined to play a key role in defining international policies and measures to address these major global issues..
In conclusion, the DRC positions itself firmly in discussions on pandemic treaties and health amendments. Its objective is to defend its interests and share its experience to strengthen global cooperation in the prevention and management of pandemics. This involvement demonstrates the country’s desire to play an active role in international decisions that impact global health.