SWITZERLAND — As the sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) convenes in Geneva to develop a pandemic accord, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has vehemently denounced “groups with vested interests” attempting to sabotage the negotiations.

Drawing parallels to the tobacco industry’s attempts to undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control two decades ago, Tedros exposed the efforts to spread falsehoods about the pandemic instrument.

Addressing the media at the WHO headquarters, Dr. Tedros dismissed the baseless claims that the accord is a power grab by the WHO or a hindrance to innovation and research.

Instead, he stressed the historic opportunity this accord presents to confront the lack of solidarity and equity that hampered the global response to COVID-19.

The ongoing INB meeting, set to conclude on Friday, will be followed by the Working Group on amendments to the International Health Regulations (WGIHR), holding its fourth meeting from 24 to 28 July.

These groups are expected to present their final drafts of negotiations at the World Health Assembly in 2024.

Dr. Tedros firmly rebuked the “vested groups” behind the misinformation, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of spreading lies about the pandemic instrument.

He asserted that this accord aims to learn from the painful lessons of COVID-19 and create a safer world for future generations.

Co-chair Roland Driece, urging member states to finalize discussions on Chapter Two of the compilation draft before text-based negotiations, stressed the importance of substance in the first draft. Quality, he emphasized, should not be compromised for expediency.

Amid the negotiations, social media, particularly Twitter, has become a breeding ground for conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19 and the pandemic accord.

Elon Musk’s tweet criticizing countries ceding authority to the WHO sparked a response from Dr. Tedros, clarifying that the accord does not alter the sovereign status of any country.

Rather, it is a contractual agreement between nations and the WHO’s role is akin to assisting in its development, not becoming a party to it.

Dr. Tedros likened the pandemic accord to a business contract between two companies, highlighting that the WHO’s involvement is purely supportive.

He emphasized that the accord is an agreement between countries alone and will not grant the WHO any control over it.

As the negotiations continue, the WHO chief’s clarion call for truth and transparency rings clear. Dispelling misinformation and addressing vested interests are essential for crafting a robust pandemic accord that will safeguard global health and unity.

The pandemic has laid bare the necessity for a collaborative and equitable response, and this accord offers an unprecedented opportunity to forge a stronger, more resilient future for humanity.

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