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The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) announced on Wednesday that its negotiators had completed a final draft of a proposed international legal document to govern pandemic response, to be voted on at the World Health Assembly in May. Negotiations on drafting the pandemic agreement took years of often heated debate as W.H.O. negotiators pressured countries to agree to provisions to share medical technology with poor countries at discounted prices and accept international authority on public health policies. The drafters have not yet apparently agreed on what kind of international legal document the agreement will be — a covenant, treaty, or other...

The World Health Organization (WHO) is now demanding new core COVID-19 measures be implemented as cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) continue to rise globally. It was reported that there was a sharp rise in HMPV infections, with China and the UK overwhelmed with other nations grappling with its effects. The WHO is now calling for preventative actions similar to those of 2020. The WHO writes in a statement: “WHO recommends that individuals in areas where it is winter take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to the most vulnerable.”

On Monday, a press conference was held to launch a Japanese national movement against WHO’s pandemic plans. Organisers also announced a protest against WHO’s plans to take place on 31 May, the second last day of the World Health Assembly meeting to adopt the amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) and the Pandemic Treaty. “For Japan, for the world, please lend us your support,” Chikatsu Hayashi said. As Japan mobilises for what promises to be a historic gathering, the message is clear – this is not just Japan’s fight. Last month, tens of thousands of citizens across Japan came...