Global pandemic prevention pact at centre of discussions

Kinshasa, May 20^th, 2025 (CPA) – The adoption of the first-ever global pact on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response is at the centre of discussions at the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, which is being held from May 19^th to 27^th in Geneva (Switzerland), according to a press release from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s National Institute of Public Health (INSP) published on Tuesday in Kinshasa. « This session is intended to be decisive. At the heart of the discussions is the adoption of the first-ever global pact on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. A crucial document, the fruit of three years of intense negotiations, designed to strengthen international coordination in the face of future health crises« , has said Dr Dieudonne Mwamba Kazadi, General Director of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), quoted in the press release. According to the source, Dr Mwamba Kazadi’s participation in this session testifies to the commitment of the Democratic Republic of Congo to actively contribute to strategic public health decisions on a global scale. The statement has indicated that for several observers, this session could mark a turning point in global health governance. ‘The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the shortcomings of healthcare systems worldwide, and Member States are now seeking to draw lasting lessons’, it is read. The Assembly also saw the re-election of Ethiopia’s Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as head of the WHO. He thus begins a new five-year term, with the mission of consolidating the reforms undertaken and strengthening the resilience of health systems. Under the theme ‘A world for health’, this major meeting brings together health ministers and decision-makers from more than 190 member countries of the World Health Organisation (WHO). CPA/