World Leaders Urge Treaty To Combat Covid-19 Crisis

UAE’s handling of virus an example for world: Official; 98% of residents happy with the way UAE dealt with pandemic; Emirates reports 2,289 new cases, 6 deaths; situation in India going from bad to worse; Italy imposes five-day quarantine for tourists.

More than 20 heads of government and global agencies called in a commentary published on Tuesday for an international treaty for pandemic preparedness that they say will protect future generations in the wake of COVID-19.

But there were few details to explain how such an agreement might actually compel countries to act more cooperatively.

World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and leaders including Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, Premier Mario Draghi of Italy, and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda proposed “a renewed collective commitment” to reinforce preparedness and response systems by leveraging the UN health agency’s constitution.

“The world cannot afford to wait until the pandemic is over to start planning for the next one,” Tedros said during a news conference.

He said the treaty would provide “a framework for international cooperation and solidarity” and address issues like surveillance systems and responding to outbreaks.