SAINT LUCIA IS A SIGNIATORY TO INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS WHICH GOVERN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO CONTROL EVENTS THAT POSE A THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, and the Director of Political, Economic and Development Cooperation Ms. Nancy Nicholas, attended the Regional Meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) in Geneva, Switzerland from February 15-16, 2024.
Saint Lucia is a signatory to the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). These regulations govern international cooperation to control any events (natural, deliberate or accidental) which pose a threat to public health (infectious diseases, biological or chemical agents, ionizing radiation).
The management of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many gaps on a global level which affected efficiency of the international response. It is acknowledged that there is need to address the gaps in preventing, preparing for and responding to health emergencies including the timely and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
Also critical is the strengthening of health systems and their resilience. The comprehensive and coherent approach is needed to strengthen the global health architecture.
As such the commitment of member states is necessary in the development of a new instrument for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response with a whole of government and society approach ensuring that equity is prioritized.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) convened this meeting for the amendments to the IHR (WGIHR) to ensure that the most relevant national authorities are adequately informed on the key components, documents, deliberations and the expected results.
The results will be presented at the eighth meeting of the WGIHR (April 22-26, 2024) in Geneva Switzerland.