Dean of the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Professor Yodi Mahendradhata, became a member of the Indonesian delegation at the seventh meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) on pandemic preparedness and response organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) from November 6 to 10 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Professor Mahendradhata explained that the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) was established by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in December 2021 with the task of drafting and negotiating conventions, agreements, or other international instruments based on the WHO constitution.
This historic effort aims to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The mission of the INB is based on principles of inclusion, transparency, efficiency, leadership of member states, and consensus.
“The Indonesian delegation at the seventh INB meeting consists of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, Research and Innovation Agency, and academics,” he explained when contacted on Wednesday (November 8) while still in Geneva.
Dean Mahendradhata mentioned that during the meeting, the delegations played an active role in negotiating proposals for an agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (Pandemic Treaty).
The Pandemic Treaty is one of two ongoing transformations in global health governance after the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO is also revising the International Health Regulations (IHR), with the IHR Review Committee and the IHR Working Group currently in progress. Both transformations are part of a historic moment to create a safer and more just world.
“We are now living in the era of pandemics, so in the future, countries must be able to anticipate the next pandemic,” he explained.
“It is hoped that through the seventh INB meeting and the subsequent processes, countries can soon agree on a pandemic treaty that can enhance the world’s resilience in facing the next pandemic by developing more effective and equitable responses.”
Author: Ika
Photo: Professor Yodi Mahendradhata