COVID-19: WHO Announces Initiation of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR)

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus today (9 Jul) announced the initiation of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) to evaluate the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In remarks to WHO Member States, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Panel will be co-chaired by former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark and former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Prime Minister Clark went to on lead the United Nations Development Programme and President Sirleaf is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Operating independently, they will choose other Panel members as well as members of an independent secretariat to provide support. 

At the historic 73rd World Health Assembly in May, Member States adopted a landmark resolution that called on WHO to initiate an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the lessons learned from the international health response to COVID-19. 

Tedros said, “in most of the world the virus is not under control. It is getting worse. More than 11.8 million cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to WHO. More than 544,000 lives have been lost. And the pandemic is still accelerating. The total number of cases has doubled in the last six weeks.” 

He continued, “it is time for a very honest reflection. All of us must look in the mirror – WHO, every Member State, all involved in the response, everyone. We’re in the midst of this battle, the battle of our lives, and we have to do better. Not just now, but for the future. Because these threats will never stop, and in all likelihood they will get worse.” 

Tedros also noted that in line with WHO’s call for an after-action review, Member States also agreed that WHO should initiate an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the lessons learned from the international health response to COVID-19. 

He said, “this is a time for self-reflection, to look at the world we live in and to find ways to strengthen our collaboration as we work together to save lives and bring this pandemic under control,” adding that “the magnitude of this pandemic, which has touched virtually everyone in the world, clearly deserves a commensurate evaluation.” 

Tedros proposed that a Special Session of the Executive Board be called in September to discuss the Panel’s progress. In November the Panel will present an interim report at the resumption of the World Health Assembly.

In January 2021, the Executive Board will hold its regular session, where the Panel’s work will be further discussed; and in May of next year, at the World Health Assembly, the panel will present its substantive report.

The Director-General noted that the Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme will also continue its existing work.

–WHO

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