18 Aug 2023
Background:
The Departments of Health and Foreign Affairs and Trade are engaging in two negotiation processes through the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen the international legal framework to prepare for and respond to future pandemics and other international health emergencies.
The two negotiation processes, which will build on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, are:
To date, Member States of the WHO, including Australia, have met to discuss initial views and priorities for a draft pandemic instrument text and proposed changes to the IHR.
Consultation:
The departments released a consultation paper on 7 Aug and are seeking responses via their online survey on the following questions:
There does not appear to be a word limit on responses.
Please note they have clearly mentioned that they may not accept submissions provided outside of the online survey or submissions included as attachments.
ACCI will be responding via the online survey and are consulting with the ACCI Health Forum to collate responses to each question and submit.
Members interested in joining the forum or contributing to the submission are requested to contact [email protected] or [email protected].
The consultation deadline is 11.59pm AEST on September 17. Members are requested to provide feedback to us by September 7.
If you could please also let us know if your organisation will be contributing to the consultation directly.
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