The UN General Assembly passed a resolution on March 29 urging member states to elevate pandemic prevention, preparedness and response to the highest political leadership level.
The resolution urges Member States to strengthen international collaboration and coordination in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response at the highest political leadership level, including by participating in and supporting ongoing efforts to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or international instrument within the framework of the World Health Organization. Discussions in order to finally adopt a document.
The resolution urges Member States to prioritize pandemic prevention, preparedness and response on national agendas, ensure whole-of-government and whole-of-society engagement, achieve universal health coverage with primary health care as the cornerstone, build resilient health systems, support and protect the health workforce, and provide social and economic support for the spread of public health measures.
The resolution invites Member States to collaborate with the medical and scientific communities, laboratories and surveillance networks for the early, safe, transparent and rapid sharing of samples and genetic sequence data on pathogens. The resolution urges Member States to enhance the transfer of relevant technology and expertise, encourage research and innovation, and strengthen local and regional capacities to manufacture, regulate and procure the tools needed to promote equitable and effective access to vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and essential supplies, among others.