The Pandemic Agreement: a panacea for the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

During a special session in December 2021, the World Health Assembly decided to establish an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The objective of the Pandemic Agreement is to enable Member States to prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics. Its provisions will apply during and between pandemics, unless otherwise specified, and it is expected to enter into force on the 30th day following the date of deposit of the 40th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, formal confirmation, or accession with the Depositary.