AIDS Healthcare Foundation – AHF Nigeria, in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called for a readjustment of the current draft of the WHO pandemic agreement to strengthen the international community’s ability to detect and respond to future pandemics threat, especially in developing nations.
They made the call in Abuja at a press briefing ahead of final Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) meeting of the WHO Pandemic Agreement in May, 2024.
AHF – Nigeria Country Program Director, Dr. Echey Ijezie while speaking, highlighted some important issues on the draft pandemic agreement noting that effective mechanism and accountability structure should be enforced for humanity’s sake rather than profit making.
“AHF is worried about the WHO pandemic agreement, which has become weaker during negotiations and lack accountability. Developed countries are protecting drug companies instead of focusing on making sure everyone has access to healthcare during pandemics. The agreement promises 20 percent of needed product during a pandemic, we need strong rules to make sure countries follow the agreement and prepare for future pandemics “
In his remark, National Coordinator Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAN), Abdulkadir Ibrahim noted the role of civil society as critical partners to global responses on pandemics and related issues, while emphasizing the need for government and political leaders to prioritize the safety of human lives.
Also speaking, the President Lawyers Alert, Barrister Rommy Mom said pandemic responses should be “Right based” where the world can implement Rights policies especially in the global south, he called for compliance and monitoring.
“When-we approach the issues of pandemics, low-income countries find it difficult to access drugs because people can’t afford them, but if we look at it from a human rights angle, people should have access to lifesaving medications”.
Deputy National Chairperson, Alliance for Covid-19 and Beyond and Focal Person, Climate Change, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Hajia Hauwa Mustapha, also highlighted some of the causes of pandemics and said it is important for a constant check on the consumption of chemicals that are likely to cause pandemics rather than managing pandemics.
On her part, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Network of Religious Leaders Living with and affected by HIV/AIDS (NINERELA+), MS. Amber Itohan Erinmwinhe, emphasized that the core role of civil society should be repositioned and re-defined in the engagement on pandemic responses.
The Vice President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche noted that the protection of women and children in society against future pandemics should be paramount and called for a systemic change amongst big pharmas.
