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Australia’s Health Minister declares full commitment to WHO Pandemic Agreement


Australian Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized the importance of not failing during his address to the World Health Assembly in Geneva, stressing the urgent need for a global pandemic agreement.

Mr. Butler continues to push for a global pandemic agreement, stating that “we can’t afford to fail” at the WHO world conference.

Representing Australia at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Mr. Butler advocated for progress on the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

Negotiations at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) failed to reach a consensus on the draft text of the treaty after nine meetings.
Despite opposition from fourteen cross-party parliamentarians against Australia’s participation in the treaty, Mr. Butler remains committed to completing the agreement.

In a speech delivered to Committee A in Geneva on May 28, Health Minister Butler affirmed Australia’s dedication to finalizing the WHO pandemic agreement.

He acknowledged the progress made since the agreement was initiated, emphasizing the need for binding commitments to prevent future pandemics and respond effectively and equitably when needed.

Mr. Butler praised the INB and the WHO secretariat team for their hard work in developing the draft text of the agreement.

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Mr. Butler outlined the importance of agreeing on a path forward to complete the treaty, calling it a significant achievement that requires collective action.

Explaining the WHO Pandemic Treaty

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, global leaders proposed the treaty to prepare for future pandemics through a comprehensive approach involving all sectors of government and society.

Not all aspects of the treaty have been agreed upon, including provisions related to vaccine distribution and compensation mechanisms for novel pandemic vaccines.





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