Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-10-2021
DOI
10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.1852
Abstract
A year ago, the World Health Assembly (WHA) met virtually for the first time since the creation of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Last year’s WHA adopted a resolution asking states to intensify action to fight COVID-19. Yet a year on, there have been 3.7 million deaths reported, with the real number estimated as more than 7 million. From May 24-31, 2021, the 74th WHA (WHA74) was again held virtually amidst this historic pandemic. The WHA created a member states working group on strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies to make recommendations to next year’s WHA. Here are 9 steps to end this pandemic and prevent the next one:
- Prevent zoonotic spillovers
- Rapid detection and response
- Biosecurity and biosafety Oversight
- Empower the WHO
- Elevate Pandemic Response to High Political Levels
- Embed Equity in Preparation and Response
- Suspend Intellectual Property Rights
- Create an International Pandemic Financing Facility
- Support Health Workers
Publication Citation
The Journal of the American Medical Association Health Forum, published online June 10, 2021, at 1-4.
Scholarly Commons Citation
Gostin, Lawrence O., "9 Steps to End COVID-19 and Prevent the Next Pandemic: Essential Outcomes From the World Health Assembly" (2021). Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works. 2389.
https://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/facpub/2389
Included in
Health Law and Policy Commons, International Humanitarian Law Commons, Public Health Commons