PREZODE urges all Member States to seek compromises
During the INB 12 resumed meeting, held from the 2nd to the 6th of December 2024, Cécile Grimaldi, Partnership Officer for PREZODE, raised concerns about the limited progress being made on Articles 4 and 5 on the, respectively, Prevention of pandemics and One-Health approach.
“PREZODE is concerned about the limited progress being made on Articles 4 and 5.
Given the current high pandemic risk, we urge all Member States to seek compromises that will allow for the prompt endorsement of the PPR Treaty. This requires strong and proactive commitments from all relevant stakeholders, from governments, academia, civil society and the private sector to focus on both preparedness and response, as well as, primary prevention through a One-Health approach.
The legal text must emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing the various factors contributing to the emergence, spillover, and spillback of zoonotic diseases, such as agricultural intensification, wildlife trade and markets, intensive breeding in low biosecurity settings, biodiversity loss, deforestation, climate change, and other anthropogenic drivers.
Research plays a vital role in understanding key factors and collaborating with frontline communities. Therefore, it is essential to empower these communities to play a significant role in shaping national prevention strategies through a One Health approach. This approach enables collaboration and coordination across relevant sectors. Strategies should be tailored to each country, designed to fit specific needs and take into account the unique challenges they face and the insights their communities provide.
In conclusion, progress in negotiations is crucial, and we must all stay engaged.”