4-Feb-2023: World Health Organization’s (WHO) has published a ‘Zero-Draft’ of the Pandemic Treaty, aiming to bring in Global and National-Level Pandemic Preparedness.

• Aims to bring in Global and National-Level Pandemic Preparedness.
• It is based on recognising the catastrophic failure of the international community in showing solidarity and equity in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Principal Components of the Draft

Global Cooperation: Increased global coordination and cooperation in the preparation for and response to pandemics and other global health emergencies

Strengthening of Health Systems: Need to strengthen health systems in all countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to ensure they are better prepared to respond to pandemics and other global health emergencies

Investment in Research and Development:

• Improved access to essential health technologies, such as vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, during pandemics and other global health emergencies
• Increased investment in research and development of health technologies, particularly for diseases that pose a significant threat to global health

Transparency in Sharing of Information: Increased transparency and sharing of information about pandemics and other global health emergencies, including data on the spread of diseases and the effectiveness of interventions

Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS)

• Genomic sequences of all pathogens with pandemic potential to be shared on an “equal footing” in the system
• Ensures the responsible and equitable use of pathogens and their genetic resources in the research and development of new medicines and vaccines
• Recognizes the rights and interests of the countries and communities that provide these resources

Addressing Gender Disparities

• Ensures meaningful representation, engagement, participation and empowerment of all health and care workers
• Stresses equal pay and addresses barriers specific to women in taking leadership roles

Existing Framework for Global Health Cooperation

International Health Regulations (IHR)

• Legally-binding on 196 countries including India
• Aims for international collaboration to prevent, protect against, control, and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease
• Defines countries’ rights and obligations in handling public health events and emergencies that have the potential to cross borders
• Empowers the WHO to act as the main global surveillance system
• Outlines the criteria to determine whether or not a particular event constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

Challenges to the Healthcare Sector Globally

Lack of Access to Healthcare

• Many populations around the world still lack access to basic healthcare services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries
• Increasing demand for long-term care services, which are often expensive and not covered by traditional health insurance

Healthcare Infrastructure

• Public health data and infrastructure are fragmented and lacking any global standard
• Major concern regarding quality and reliability of existing healthcare systems
• Large part of hospital expenditures is used to correct preventable medical mistakes or infections that people catch in hospitals
• Medical staff are in short supply

Affordability and Disparity

• Healthcare can be expensive, and many individuals, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries, struggle to afford basic healthcare services
• Significant inequalities in health outcomes persist globally, particularly for marginalized populations

Scarcity of Health Personnel

• Shortages of trained and qualified health workers in many countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries
• India has 1 government doctor per 10,189 people (WHO recommends a ratio of 1:1,000), indicating a shortage of 6,00,000 doctors

Non-Communicable Diseases: Non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, are becoming increasingly common and place a significant burden on healthcare systems.