ELEVATING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS

In a significant gathering on November 2, 2023, significant stakeholders came together at Fairgrounds Gaborone, to address the pressing need for nations to unite in the face of public health challenges. The meeting marked a pivotal moment for the Working Group responsible for amending the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB). Their shared mission was to fortify global pandemic preparedness and construct a robust response framework.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Assembly took a historic step by establishing the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB). This body's core objective is to chart a new path in global health governance. Its mission is to create an international instrument, convention, or agreement that will serve as a safeguard against future pandemics. During the meeting, Mr. Abia Sebaka(to insert where he works) emphasized that the INB represents a groundbreaking treaty, a response to the profound lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A key highlight of the meeting was the enlightening presentation by Dr. Oratile Mfokeng-Selai a public Health Physician from Ministry of Health providing a deeper understanding of the International Health Regulations (IHR) from 2005. Dr. Mfokeng-Selai emphasized that the IHR reaches beyond the confines of specific diseases or modes of transmission. Instead, it is a comprehensive framework designed to identify potential hazards that could trigger global outbreaks.

Dr. Mfokeng-Selai delved into Article 4, a cornerstone of the IHR, which centres on the designation of national focal points. These focal points play a pivotal role in facilitating rapid communication between nations and the World Health Organization (WHO). The importance of this swift exchange of information cannot be overstated. “It ensures that when a public health crisis emerges within a country, the WHO is promptly informed. This, in turn, enables the WHO to initiate immediate communication with the designated focal point and inform other nations that may be affected, thus facilitating a coordinated and timely response.” Dr. Mfokeng-Selai explained. Article 5 of the IHR addresses surveillance, underscoring the need for nations to build the capacity to detect, assess, notify, and report public health emergencies. This article serves as a clear call to action for countries to assess their readiness in detecting diseases at the earliest possible stage, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and promptly notifying the WHO when circumstances require it.

The call for amendments to the IHR (2005) arises from varying issues, including inequitable access, limited collaboration and a historical tendency for nations to prioritize their own interests during past pandemics. The proposed amendments, which are approximately 300, seek to address these challenges by enhancing the capacity of health systems, ensuring better preparedness, and promoting early and accurate sharing of scientific knowledge.

Among the proposed amendments were revisions to 33 articles, 5 annexes, and the introduction of 6 new articles. It's noteworthy that the Africa Group, including Botswana, championed 3 out of the 6 new articles, along with 2 new annexes. Botswana's priorities within these amendments revolve around improving equity in access to health products, technologies, and knowledge. The nation also seeks to establish financing mechanisms to enhance implementation and strengthen compliance through the creation of a compliance committee. “It is important for us as a country to strengthen what we already have, instead of forming new bodies.” Dr Mfokeng-Selai alluded

Dr. Mafokeng- Selai announced that the next meeting, scheduled for December, would see core-chairs proposing a clean draft. Expectations are high regarding whether Botswana's priorities will continue to be reflected in the proposed draft, providing the nation with a path forward.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Tlale from the Botswana Public Health Institute expressed his gratitude to the participants for their active engagement in the meeting. He emphasized that IHR guidelines exist to safeguard healthcare systems during emergencies and underscored the importance of a multisectoral approach, emphasizing that it's not solely a health endeavour but a collective effort across various sectors.