Background

COVID-19 brought many challenges but also many opportunities. It is important to reflect upon the lessons learned from the pandemic to better prepare Member States and PAHO's Secretariat for future health emergencies. To this end, PAHO commissioned an external evaluation of its COVID-19 response, which identified several key areas for improvement and set 8 recommendations to guide the Bureau's technical cooperation and public health actions. These recommendations focus on supporting PAHO to respond to health crises more effectively and enhance its ability to anticipate difficulties, innovate, plan, and lead with resolve and resilience. This briefing session will provide an update on the status of PAHO's implementation of these recommendations.

Moreover, as part of the learnings identified during the COVID-19 pandemic, in December 2021, the World Health Assembly, established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate an international instrument under the World Health Organization Constitution to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Additionally, in 2022, the 75th World Health Assembly adopted a decision to establish the Member States Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (WGIHR). The INB and the WGIHR Bureaus will present their final reports for consideration at the 77th World Health Assembly in 2024.

Representatives from the Americas from both the INB and the WGIHR will present an update on both processes, which are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set the basis of a safer world for all humanity.