Member states of the World Health Organization are convening for talks on a new treaty covering pandemic preparedness and response.
The WHO's decision-making body, the World Health Assembly, is holding an unprecedented special session virtually for three days, starting Monday, to consider adopting new international rules for handling future crises.
In advance, it's been provisionally agreed that an intergovernmental body, charged with negotiating and drafting decisions, will be launched with a first meeting to be held no later than March first.
A final outcome, a treaty or some other conclusion, is expected in 2024.