As negotiations continue for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) proposed international pandemic treaty, experts are emphasizing the need for meaningful public engagement to ensure effectiveness and equity. In a recent piece published in The Conversation, GSL Research Fellow Roojin Habibi and co-authors argue that public participation is crucial to shaping the treaty and ensuring transparency and accountability in the negotiation process.
The proposed treaty aims to improve global preparedness and response to future pandemics, but its success depends on equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and medical supplies. The article highlights that a lack of transparency and accountability in negotiations could result in further inequities and exacerbate existing global health disparities.
Habibi and co-authors stress that Canada must engage with diverse participants and listen to their perspectives to ensure the treaty meets the needs of all communities. As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, experts are urging governments to prioritize public engagement in shaping policies that impact global health.
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