CEPI and WHO Call for Global Collaboration to Prepare for Future Epidemics

New treaty needed to strengthen international cooperation

International research key to expanding findings to different populations

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are calling for a new international treaty to strengthen global collaboration in preparing for and responding to future epidemics and pandemics.

In a commentary published in the journal Nature Medicine, CEPI and WHO argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a more coordinated and equitable approach to pandemic preparedness and response.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that no country is an island," said Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI. "We need to work together to develop and share tools and resources, and to ensure that everyone has access to them."

The proposed treaty would establish a framework for international cooperation on pandemic preparedness and response. It would include provisions for sharing data and information, coordinating research and development, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.

"A new international treaty is essential to strengthen global collaboration and ensure that we are better prepared for the next pandemic," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.

CEPI and WHO are calling on governments to support the development of a new international treaty. They believe that a treaty would help to prevent future pandemics and save lives.