AHF, CSOs call for strengthening of WHO pandemic report
From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in Nigeria, in collaboration with some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called for a readjustment of the current draft of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement to strengthen the international community’s ability to detect and respond to future pandemics threat, especially in developing nations. The Country Programme Director, AHF Nigeria, Dr Echey Ijezie, made this known in Abuja at a briefing ahead of the final meeting of Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
He listed 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 of accountability. Developed countries are protecting drug companies instead of focusing on making sure everyone has access to healthcare during pandemics.
“The agreement promises 20 per cent of needed products during a pandemic. We need strong rules to make sure countries follow the agreement and prepare for future pandemics,“ he said
The National Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAN), Abdulkadir Ibrahim, described CSOs as critical partners to global responses on pandemics and related issues. He enjoined government and political leaders to prioritise the safety of human lives.
The President, Lawyers Alert, Rommy Mom, said: “When we approach the issues of pandemics, low income countries find it difficult to access drugs because people can’t afford them. If we look at it from a human rights angle, people should have access to lifesaving medications.”
Also, Deputy National Chairperson, Alliance for COVID-19 and Beyond, Hajia Hauwa Mustapha, suggested constant checks on the consumption of chemicals that are likely to cause pandemics rather than managing the outbreaks.
Executive Secretary, Nigerian Network of Religious Leaders Living with and affected by HIV/AIDS (NINERELA+), MS. Amber Erinmwinhe, said the core role of civil society should be repositioned and redefined in the engagement on pandemic responses.
