CSOs, MPs raise red flag over new pandemic agreement

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Civil Society Organisations and Members of Parliament on the House health committee have raised concerns regarding equity in the new global pandemic agreement.

The stakeholders argue that the agreement could adversely impact Uganda’s pandemic response efforts.

These issues were discussed on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala during a dialogue on the ongoing negotiations at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 27 to June 1, under the theme: "All for Health, Health for All."

Overview of the Pandemic Treaty

The International Treaty on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, commonly referred to as the Pandemic Treaty, is an international agreement currently being negotiated by the 194 member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO). This accord aims to enhance global responses to future pandemics.

Concerns raised about the treaty 

WHO director-general, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, expressed optimism in his opening remarks on Monday about eventually reaching a pandemic accord, despite the failure to finalise an agreement last week.

However, Ugandan MPs, along with organisations such as the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares, HEPs Uganda, SEATINI Uganda, and CEHURD, are actively advocating against the recently disclosed draft of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

While these stakeholders support the agreement’s principles, they argue it falls short in advancing health equity and social justice.

Dr. Augustine Lubanga, National Medical Director, AHF Uganda Cares. (Courtesy)

Dr Augustine Lubanga, the acting country program director of AHF Uganda Cares, criticised the draft as being filled with unfulfilled promises and lacking mechanisms to ensure equitable access to health resources during pandemics.

Key points of contention

Lubanga highlighted the persistent prioritisation of intellectual property rights for pharmaceutical companies over saving lives, a trend starkly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the draft agreement does not address the significant gaps in access to health resources between wealthy and poor nations.

The agreement stipulates that 20% of pandemic-related health products will be allocated to the WHO during a pandemic, leaving 80% to be contested internationally.

This arrangement, according to Jane Nalunga, the executive director of SEATINI Uganda, risks repeating the chaotic and inequitable distribution experienced during COVID-19.

Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, director of public health at the Ministry of Health, stressed the need for robust accountability mechanisms, including independent oversight, to ensure that the agreement serves the interests of all nations, particularly the most vulnerable.

Call for global cooperation

AHF bureau chief for Africa Dr Penninah Iutung condemned the WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS) as unjust and skewed in favour of pharmaceutical interests over the fundamental right to health. She argued that protecting private monopolies undermines global health security.

Kenneth Mwehonge, the executive director of HEPs Uganda, called for an agreement centered on equity, transparency, and accountability, emphasizing the necessity of co-operation with civil society and non-governmental organisations.

Parliamentary involvement

Dr. Charles Ayume (Koboko Municipality Koboko, NRM). (Courtesy)

Dr Charles Ayume, the chairperson of the health committee and MP for Koboko Municipality, expressed concern that Parliament has been excluded from the negotiations, despite the health minister’s involvement in Geneva.

Dr. Charles Ayume (Koboko Municipality Koboko, NRM). (Courtesy)

He underscored the need for a funding mechanism within the Pandemic Agreement to support its implementation at both national and international levels, particularly for developing countries.

Mbarara District Woman MP Margaret Ayebare and Mbale District Woman MP Miriam Mukhaye called for greater transparency and capacity building, urging that local solutions and resources be leveraged effectively in future pandemics.

AHF and other stakeholders advocate for extended negotiations to address the existing gaps in the agreement, ensuring it promotes equitable health outcomes for all nations.