Negotiation processes for the pandemic treaty and amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) are currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is working to define a multi-sectoral position on these issues .
The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading these negotiations with a view to creating a new legally binding international instrument on pandemics, in order to strengthen the rules for prevention, preparation and response to epidemics. At the same time, a negotiation process is also underway for the amendment of the 2005 IHR.
To prepare for its participation in these two processes, the DRC organized a workshop to formulate positions and elements of negotiation. This workshop, which took place in Kinshasa, brought together high-level decision-makers from the sectors concerned by the pandemic treaty and the 2005 IHR. The objective was to mobilize these actors and develop a common position on the key elements text projects.
The DRC’s participation in these negotiations is of particular importance, given the country’s experience with numerous epidemics in recent decades. The DRC’s designated negotiator underlines the importance of these discussions, which will shape the global health architecture for the coming years. It is therefore essential that the voice and experience of the DRC are taken into account in this process.
Other African countries have also actively participated in these negotiations, both individually and as a region. The African Union also coordinated certain actions. Ethiopia, for example, took the lead in the African group and presented the group’s position at the workshop. Participants were encouraged to actively participate in upcoming negotiation sessions.
In a few days, the DRC negotiator will travel to Geneva to present the positions decided during the workshop at the fifth meeting of the working group on amendments to the International Health Regulations of 2005. This is a unique opportunity for the DRC to make its voice heard and actively contribute to international discussions on the management of pandemics.
In conclusion, the DRC is actively engaged in the negotiation processes of the treaty on pandemics and amendments to the 2005 IHR. The participation of the DRC is crucial to defend the interests of the country and to highlight its experience in the fight against epidemics.