Dear Members of the Review Committee, Excellencies, Dear colleagues and friends,
Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, and a happy New Year to you all.
I’m sure that we all hope that 2021 will indeed be a happier year than 2020.
We all hope that 12 months from now, the pandemic will be over – and hopefully sooner than that.
But we also hope that we will continue to learn from the pandemic, and that we will be more prepared for the next one.
As you know, the Review Committee has published its interim progress report for the WHO Executive Board.
The Committee found so far that there is overwhelming support from Member States and experts for the International Health Regulations as a cornerstone of international public health and health security law.
However, there is also agreement that several areas need improving so that the world is better prepared for the next pandemic.
One of these areas, which is the topic of your consultation today, is the issue of a so-called intermediate level of alert.
Today’s discussion is also in response to the World Health Assembly resolution on strengthening preparedness for health emergencies, which requested WHO to study complementary mechanisms for alerting the global community about public health emergencies.
The Review Committee is assessing the advantages and disadvantages of an intermediate level of alert as an initial warning signal, and whether different types of PHEIC are required.
Professor Wieler will present the considerations of the Committee so far, with a focus on the pros and cons of the current system and the advantages and disadvantages of additional mechanisms, such as an intermediate level of alert.
You will then be asked to provide your views on a set of key questions that would help us better articulate the mechanism we use to alert the global community on public health risks and health emergencies.
The outcome of this consultation will inform future deliberations of the Review Committee and an update will be provided to the Executive Board next week.
This is an important discussion, with significant implications for global health security. I wish you every success.
I thank you.