Washington is fully committed to negotiating an international pandemic agreement, US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra said in Geneva today, expressing optimism about its outcome but warning that time is running out.

Participating countries World Health Organization Negotiations have begun to reach an international agreement under which the world will be prepared to prevent a new pandemic and respond more effectively to it.

Countries with greater capacity and resources should bear an appropriate degree of responsibility for preparing for and responding to global health threats, according to a document seen by Reuters.

The process is just beginning, but the goal is to reach an agreement at the next World Health Assembly in May 2024.

“I think we will have an agreement if the whole world understands that the next pandemic, this next health threat, is probably not a distant (perspective),” Becerra said.

Becerra sought to allay concerns about Washington’s possible non-participation in the final phase of the process, as the US often showed distrust of binding international treaties.

The Joe Biden administration has expressed its willingness to be a party to the deal, but the possibility of former President Donald Trump winning the 2024 presidential election makes the need to complete negotiations all the more urgent.

“The fear that should be with us is that millions of people could die if we face another pandemic,” Becerra said when asked about the possibility.