Thank you, Barbara.
The GPMB is closely monitoring progress in these critically important reforms and processes to strengthen prevention preparedness and response. It is imperative that they succeed, and we have proposed three tests of these reforms, which we published in our manifesto for preparedness earlier this year.
- Are they sufficiently powerful?
- Will they deliver equity and coherence?
- And do they have robust mechanisms for monitoring and accountability embedded into them?
But we have an additional proposal to ensure their success.
We feel very strongly that we cannot wait for the next emergency to find out how well the pandemic accord and the IHR amendments will work. We need to know now.
We therefore suggest that Member States, together with other key stakeholders, carry out a simulation exercise based on the draft accord and draft IHR amendments later this year, before they are finalized and adopted. It can provide assurance of their effectiveness, help us all as a global community to identify any remaining gaps, and resolve any outstanding areas of disagreement.
A simulation exercise beforehand, and robust monitoring and accountability following their adoption, are two ways you can ensure these important instrument fulfil their potential and that we are ready for the next pandemic.
Please give this proposal your consideration.