The European Union is preparing to adopt conclusions on strengthening the World Health Organization (WHO). Amongst other considerations, the draft text, which was discussed by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) on Wednesday 21 October, suggests revising the alert system for health emergencies and making provision for closer cooperation between the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Control, the ECDC.
The aim of these conclusions, which EUROPE has seen, is to create a common EU position at the next WHO Assembly in mid-November. They will be discussed by EU Health Ministers at their informal videoconference on 30 October, after which they might be adopted by written procedure on 6 November.
American criticisms clearly present in the document
Although they do not appear anywhere in so many words, the criticisms from the United States can clearly be seen throughout the document. Donald Trump has given notice of his intention to withdraw his country from the WHO, thereby risking depriving the organisation of 15% of its funding. The notice will become effective on 6 July 2021.
The draft conclusions highlight the challenges currently faced by WHO, “inter alia in terms of transparency, synergies, financing and accountability as well as the challenges related to the WHO’s response to the current pandemic including the challenges of the organisation’s predictable and sustainable financing and the disparity between WHO Members States’ expectations and the organisation’s capacities”.
Improving the IHR
The document proposes several improvements to the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR), such as “greater transparency on national compliance with the IHR” through consistently applied and more effective monitoring systems. It also suggests making a distinction between travel restrictions and trade-related restrictions. The document then proposes revising the alert system for declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHIEC), with different alert levels. Lastly, it recommends strengthening the monitoring of external joint evaluations and introducing a periodic review mechanism, as proposed by the Africa Group. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)