Over 100 world leaders have voiced their support for the finalisation of the ‘Pandemic Accord’. 

This agreement, under negotiation among 194 nations since December 2021, aims to bolster the world’s defences against future pandemics. 

The call for urgency comes with a deadline set for May 2024, highlighting the leaders' collective ambition for a robust international framework that could prevent a repeat of the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 crisis.

An open letter, featuring contributions from influential figures such as former UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, and former prime ministers of New Zealand and the UK, underscores the accord’s critical role in safeguarding the future. 

The planned pact seeks to enhance the detection of diseases, ensuring timely and equitable access to tests, treatments, and vaccines. 

Amid the ongoing negotiations, the leaders have warned against misinformation regarding national sovereignty, stressing that participation in the accord is voluntary.

This collective call to action resonates with the dire need for a global strategy that transcends borders and unites nations in the face of pandemic threats. 

The leaders’ letter lays out a vision of a world where preparedness and rapid response mechanisms are in place, preventing the kind of social and economic turmoil experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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