The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), in conjunction with several civil society organizations, has voiced apprehension regarding the draft agreement between the World Health Organization (WHO) and pandemic response strategies aimed at bolstering communities’ resilience against future pandemic threats.
During a media briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, stakeholders expressed their concerns ahead of the finalization of the WHO agreement draft. Dr. Echey Ijezie, the Country Program Director for AHF Nigeria, underscored the importance of implementing effective mechanisms and ensuring accountability, emphasizing the need to prioritize humanity over profit motives.
Dr. Ijezie remarked, “AHF is troubled by the weakening of the WHO pandemic agreement during negotiations and its lack of accountability. Developed nations are critiquing pharmaceutical companies instead of focusing on ensuring universal healthcare access during pandemics. The agreement pledges 20% of required products during a pandemic; however, stringent regulations are imperative to ensure compliance and preparedness for future pandemics.”
Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV, emphasized the critical role of civil society as essential partners in global pandemic responses and urged governments and political leaders to prioritize human life safety.
Barrister Rommy Mom, President of Lawyers Alert, advocated for a rights-based approach to pandemic response, particularly in the global south, stressing the importance of compliance and monitoring mechanisms to ensure accessibility to medication, especially for low-income countries.
Hajia Hauwa Mustapha, Deputy National Chairperson of the Alliance for Covid-19 and Beyond and Focal Person for Climate Change at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), highlighted the significance of ongoing monitoring of chemical consumption to prevent future pandemics rather than solely managing their impacts.
Similarly, Ms. Amber Itohan Erinmwinhe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Network of Religious Leaders Living with HIV/AIDS (NINERELA), called for a repositioning and clarification of the core roles of civil society engagement in pandemic responses.
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