Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Paragraph: 13
The pandemic has exposed shortcomings in the multilateral health system.
Recommendation
The pandemic has exposed shortcomings in the multilateral health system. The WHO lacks adequate funds, power and independence. It has done hugely important work in a difficult situation, facing intense pressure from many sides. However, it performed less effectively than under the leadership of Gro Harlem Brundtland and fell short on demanding transparency from Beijing, particularly in the early months, leading to costly delays in the international response. Far from being a reason to abandon the WHO, the pandemic should be a wake-up call that prompts reform to give the WHO the powers it needs to respond more effectively to future outbreaks. No country should be able to impede it effectively performing its role of protecting global health. As the second-largest donor to the WHO, the UK is in a strong position to influence this process, build a coalition of member states, and press for the necessary reforms. These should include greater transparency and accountability across its work. We recommend that the Government endorses the recommendations of the Independent Panel (IPPPR), including for greater powers to independently investigate outbreaks, an increase in member state fees, and greater independence for the WHO’s leadership. For each, the Government should assess the chances of success, and explain the efforts the UK is making to promote it, if any.
Paragraph Reference:
13
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
There are always lessons to be learnt in any global health emergency, particularly one as complex as COVID-19. The findings and recommendations of the Independent Panel on Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) and the other review processes help inform this. The UK has taken the following action in line with the IPPR recommendations. We co-sponsored a resolution at this year’s World Health Assembly which sets out a framework up to May 2022 for reforming and strengthening WHO’s emergencies work and are active participants in the WHO Strengthening Working Group. The UK is a strong supporter of WHO and also an advocate of reform to ensure it further strengthens its ability to respond effectively to health emergencies. The UK is taking a leading role on reform through our seat on the WHO Executive Board and our G7 presidency and is working with international partners to push for a stronger early warning system; reduced risk of zoonotic diseases through better surveillance; and improved compliance with the International Health Regulations. COVID-19 has demonstrated that existing global health mechanisms are insufficient in terms of preparation for or response to pandemics. A truly global solution is needed to allow member states and organisations to address the threat of future pandemics. The UK supports a new legally binding instrument, or pandemic treaty, as part of a comprehensive approach to pandemic preparedness and response (PPR). It could provide the long-term, overarching framework for global health security that the world needs, by solidifying and streamlining the new mechanisms and initiatives member states are developing to strengthen PPR, while bringing commitment to meet these obligations from the highest levels of government.