Scientific societies: "Italy's 'no' to the WHO amendments is a serious matter; the government should reconsider."

Cognetti (Fossc): "A wrong choice that could have negative consequences during the pandemic."

"We consider the Italian government's recent decision to reject the World Health Organization's amendments on combating pandemics to be very serious. This measure could have negative consequences in the near future." This is the comment of FOSSC, the Forum of Scientific Societies of Italian Hospital and University Clinicians, in response to the recent letter sent by Health Minister Orazio Schillaci to the WHO . The Forum, which brings together and represents 75 scientific societies active in our country, "does not agree with Italy's decision, which follows a similar one taken a few days earlier by the United States," it said in a statement.

"The amendments proposed by the WHO were commendable and acknowledge the potential recurrence of situations very similar to those of early 2020," states Francesco Cognetti, president of FOSSC . "New dangerous pathogens could threaten global health. This is a possible and, in some ways, even probable scenario, as already highlighted by all the most important and prestigious international experts. It is therefore right to prevent and limit future pandemics, including through greater cooperation between different countries. We absolutely must not forget," he emphasizes, "that Italy was one of the nations hardest hit by the last pandemic. Covid-19 has then clearly highlighted some of the limitations and numerous problems that still persist within our national health system."

Precisely for this reason, "we cannot accept the Italian government's decision to instead support the World Health Organization's proposals," Cognetti emphasizes. "The WHO can certainly be criticized, and its initiatives may not always be supported. But these are decisions that must be made following the dictates of science and also consulting the opinions of medical specialists and scientists."

Cognetti warns: "We cannot reject out of hand important and potentially useful amendments for all countries to curb the spread of a pandemic emergency, without also considering the consequences for the mobility of our citizens in foreign countries or the quarantines they might be subjected to in the event of a pandemic. International cooperation is crucial in these circumstances, and unified coordination and overall direction are essential. Working together," he urges, "is crucial."

President Fossc calls on the entire government to "reverse and accept the new International Health Regulations. All Italian institutions," he adds, "should finally address the various problems that have plagued the national healthcare system for years." In closing, on behalf of the Forum, Cognetti reiterates "our complete willingness to discuss with national and regional political representatives to find concrete solutions as quickly as possible , as we have long indicated."