World Health Organisation member states have agreed to start building a new international accord on how to handle future pandemics and ensure there can be no repeat of Covid-19, Reuters reports.

At a special meeting in Geneva, the 194 WHO member states unanimously adopted a resolution launching the negotiating and drafting process for a new international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The decision, entitled “The World Together”, was adopted by consensus at a special assembly of the 194 nations that are members of the UN health body, drawing applause at the end of a three-day meeting. The process will present its final outcome to WHO member states in 2024.