VICTORIA, Seychelles, The Ministry of Health stated yesterday that it is in favour of the development of an international instrument by the World Health Organisation to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Minister for Health Peggy Vidot noted that as a small island state, Seychelles lacks sufficient expertise and resources to prevent, prepare for, and mount a response to a pandemic, and stands to benefit from the provisions of a treaty or agreement. The statement aligns the country with the broader WHO membership on the issue.
Presently, WHO member states are involved in negotiations towards the agreement, which is currently still a working document and is subject to changes. The proposal for an international instrument stems from the requests of at least 19 heads of state, made during the United Nations General Assembly, who called for a stronger collective framework. The negotiations have been running in rounds, with the latest text being reviewed by delegations in Geneva and in regional capitals.
Minister Vidot said the country supports the principle of the agreement and is following the negotiations closely. She added that the ministry will continue to brief the National Assembly and other relevant bodies as the text evolves. She said the final agreement should take into account the specific vulnerabilities of small island developing states, including their limited domestic capacity for the rapid production of vaccines, medicines and protective equipment. The country has also called for provisions that support the transfer of technology and the building of local manufacturing capacity.
The minister also used the press conference to outline some of the practical areas where the agreement could help Seychelles. These include access to early warning systems, technical support for laboratory testing, and a more predictable supply of medical countermeasures during health emergencies. The ministry is also working with other small states to push for language in the agreement that recognises the special circumstances of SIDS.
Seychelles has been an active participant in the negotiations and has spoken on the floor of the World Health Assembly on the need for a fair and balanced agreement. The ministry has indicated that it will continue to engage with its regional partners in the African group and the SIDS group to ensure that the final text reflects the priorities of small island states. Further updates on the negotiations will be provided as the process moves forward.
