Motsoaledi: Agreement serves as a monumental step to countering future pandemics

JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi said the pandemic agreement serves as a monumental step towards countering any future pandemics in the world.

The minister was speaking during his address at the fourth G20 Health Working Group meeting in Johannesburg.

The week-long discussions are aimed at strengthening global preparedness for future pandemics and strategies to ensure vaccine equity.

Just in May, the 78th World Health Assembly adopted the second international health treaty, formally known as the Pandemic Agreement.

Commenting on the move, Motsoaledi said the pandemic agreement serves as a legally binding instrument for preventing future pandemics and improving response mechanisms.

He added that the historic agreement is built on several key pillars, one being that all countries have affordable access to pandemic-related health products.

"The Pandemic Agreement was adopted with the overwhelming support of 124 member states, a clear global consensus on the need for a new path forward. The resolution adopted by the 78th world health assembly is of paramount importance as it represents the formal, political culmination of the entire INB process.”

The minister also mentioned that the agreement signifies a collective commitment from member states.