Many have not heard of the Pandemic Treaty – or "Agreement" as it's now apparently being called. Fewer still have read it. But two days after the MCRW meeting, delegates will be meeting to discuss the "Revised draft of the negotiating text of the WHO Pandemic Agreement".
What it means for Americans (other than mention of the Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic information of which the US is not a signatory, thankfully, one might think), is partially unknown, but what it clearly states is
1. The United States, if it's a member, will cede its public health authority to the World Health Organization – goodbye US sovereignty in matters of health – and more;
2. It empowers the WHO to declare pandemics and potential pandemics;
3. It is based on "equity";
4. It will require financial assistance to others, in many categories. particularly to frequently referenced "developing countries" – with the objective of "Sustainable Financing – Article 20);
5. One goal is to attack "gross inequities" in health care capabilities;
6. Another is "global solidarity" – through a "One Health approach";
7. Still another is to "advance universal [e.g. world-wide] health coverage";
8. While recognizing "intellectual property rights", the document manages to squeeze in time-sensitive "waivers" and sharing of technology, manufacturing information, etc.
9. Ancillary issues include water, sanitation and hygiene and routine healthcare infrastructure;
10. Not to ignore the different footed, (see H5N1 bird flu – Disease X?) – it includes "management of wildlife, farm and companion animals";
11. There is, of course, mention of "civil registration and vital statistics" (effect on privacy and choice?)
In the hope you have not yet developed ulcers at the implications of the above, we must still revisit the COVID experience – particularly communication and freedom of speech and different points of view – as well as the "science-based" aspects.
Article 18 of the discussion draft deals with "policies…that hinder or strengthen adherence to public health and social measures…as well as trust in science and public health institutions and agencies". Another section deals with "inform[ing] policies that hinder or strengthen adherence to public health and social measures"…and "trust in science and public health institutions and agencies".
Both the "Pandemic Agreement" and the amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR – 2005) are being represented to NOT BE TREATIES. Thus, Senate ratification is not required. There are a few strategies that can be employed (many somewhat vague) to fight this, but the major one does exist – withdrawing from the World Health Organization and reducing or eliminating the current funding (the US is the third largest funder, right under Bill Gates).
The US has always been an incredibly generous nation to those in need, whether in a disaster or just to those living in challenging circumstances. The question is whether forced monetary contributions (see tax increases) constitute charity is only one of the questions. The big one is "how will you respond?"
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