Elements of An Evidence-Based Pandemic Treaty

Abstract

Closing the “pandemic gap” requires evidence-based solutions that break every step of the cycle, including (1) reducing spillover risk, (2) reducing pandemic risk, (3) reducing pandemic impacts, and (4) ensuring recovery and resilience. Here, we operationalize this strategy by identifying twelve elements for a cohesive and evidence-based treaty for the pandemic era. For each, we focus on the most urgent environmental, social, political, and legal determinants of health. We then describe how these elements could be translated into provisions under the treaty, with a focus on principles of good governance, distributive justice, human rights, and coherence within international law.

Note:
Funding Information: This work was supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Conflict of Interests: We declare no competing interests

Keywords: pandemic treaty; COVID-19; spillover; international law; World Health Organization