A Review So Far: First Quarter of 2022
The Quarterly Roundup of the Geneva Health Files for 2022
Dear Readers,
As a member of the Geneva Health Files community, you are witness to how our journalistic initiative is readily able to adapt as the world of global health continues to turn.
In the first quarter of 2022, Geneva Health Files continues to evolve our operations to keep our busy crowd of readers informed.
Here, we have compiled a quarterly recap here to keep you all informed of the many changes at the Geneva Health Files newsroom.
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Kaitlyn Myers and Priti Patnaik
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Highlights from our first quarter developments of 2022:
This quarter we launched our new Treaty Talks, a new series that will track negotiations around a potential pandemic treaty.
Game on at WHO: International Health Regulations Vs The Pandemic Treaty
Curb Private Sector Participation In The Treaty-Making Process: Some Member States At WHO
We published a breaking story that exemplifies the need for a critical eye in Geneva.
A special edition of the Geneva Health Files podcast, to mark our two years of creating a critical journalistic initiative in Geneva's global health scene.
Plus, the impressive Geneva Health Files community continues to sustain and promote our work.
Guest Editorial: The Alcohol Industry and WHO's Global Alcohol Action Plan
Guest Editorial: "A New Pandemic Treaty Must Be Built for Accountability"
QUARTERLY ROUNDUP: First Quarter of 2022
Deep Dives Roundup
1. January 14: Divergences Continue on the Approaches to Reform the Governance of Health Emergencies
"This week countries tried to agree on a work plan for the next few months that will see the building blocks for new rules on governing health emergencies put into place..."
2. January 28: The Inevitable Fragmentation of Global Health: The Signs from WHO EB 150
"...a meeting such as the EB, becomes a spectre to see how such a system can be molded. Underlying the numerous statements by countries, across more than 50 agenda items, were expressions of commitment, caution and even opportunism."
3. February 11: The Political Utility of The WHO mRNA Hub - An Analysis
"The mRNA hub in South Africa... it is being seen as an oasis that will help address manufacturing constraints during future health emergencies, even as the TRIPS Waiver continues to remain a mirage."
4. February 25: Efforts to Narrow the TRIPS Waiver Continue: "Eligibility Requirements" Still on The Table
"The TRIPS waiver discussions at the WTO... continue to be mired in narrow eligibility requirements that could potentially set conditions on the circumstances under which a waiver will be applicable."
5. March 11: A compromise on the horizon? TRIPS Waiver talks in the 'Quad' at the WTO
"While the Russian invasion of Ukraine has upended trade diplomacy at the WTO in recent days, the TRIPS waiver discussions have proceeded among a small group of members and is likely nearing a compromise, although differences persist."
6. April 22: The Chronic Crisis in WHO Financing: A Temperature Check on Member States' Commitments
"WHO member states have so far struggled to reach a consensus on increasing their assessed contributions that would make the organization’s financing more predictable and sustainable."