WHO Members Reach 'In-Principle' Accord on Tackling Future Pandemics

GENEVA - World Health Organisation (WHO) members on April 12 reached agreement over how to tackle future pandemics after three years of discussions, the co-chairwoman of the negotiating body told AFP.

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"We have an accord in principle" and the final version will have to be approved by the various member states," said Ms Anne-Claire Amprou, the French ambassador for world health.

Delegates will meet on April 15 in Geneva to put the finishing touches to a landmark text on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response and give it their definitive seal of agreement, Ms Amprou added.

That text will require a final seal of approval from all WHO members at the World Health Assembly in Geneva at the end of May.

The breakthrough, which came after a marathon discussion stretching for almost 24 hours, was welcomed by enthusiastic applause from the delegates lasting several minutes.

"This is a very good signal. You are part of an incredible history in the making," said the WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"This is a good gift to our children and our grandchildren," said Mr Tedros, who remained with delegates throughout the night as they thrashed out an agreement.