Did WHO Just Make History with a New Pandemic Agreement?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking decision, the WHO has adopted its first Pandemic Agreement, aiming to address global healthcare gaps and inequities. This historic pact, emerging from years of negotiations, seeks to fortify the world against future pandemics and ensure equitable access to health resources, particularly for vulnerable nations.
Key Takeaways
- WHO adopts its first Pandemic Agreement
- Aims to bridge global healthcare inequities
- Increased preparedness for future pandemics
- Establishment of PABS system for equitable access
- Focus on developing countries' needs
Geneva, May 20 (NationPress) In an unprecedented step, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday officially endorsed the globe's inaugural Pandemic Agreement after a rigorous three-year negotiation process.
This pivotal Agreement, unanimously accepted by WHO member nations during the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly, is designed to address and rectify the healthcare disparities that arose during future pandemics.
In response to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in millions of fatalities worldwide, WHO Member States established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) in December 2021. This body was tasked with drafting and negotiating a convention or other international frameworks to enhance pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
After 13 formal meetings, nine of which were extended, along with numerous informal discussions regarding various elements of the draft agreement, the final proposal was concluded in April this year.
The Pandemic Agreement aims to equip governments for future pandemics, notably following the significant losses experienced from 2020 to 2022 due to Covid-19.
“Today, the world is safer because of the leadership and cooperation of our Member States in adopting this groundbreaking WHO Pandemic Agreement,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“This Agreement is a triumph for public health, scientific integrity, and multilateralism. It ensures that we can collectively safeguard the world against future pandemic risks. It also reflects the international community's acknowledgment that our populations, societies, and economies must not be left vulnerable to the kind of losses we faced during Covid-19,” Ghebreyesus emphasized.
The WHO Pandemic Agreement marks the second international legal framework negotiated under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, the first being the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, adopted in 2003 and effective from 2005.
The resolution includes initiating a process to develop a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System (PABS) through an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG).
Once the Assembly endorses the PABS annex, the WHO Pandemic Agreement will be open for signature and ratification by national legislative bodies. The Agreement will come into effect after 60 ratifications.
As per the Agreement, pharmaceutical companies involved in the PABS initiative will play a crucial role in ensuring fair and prompt access to pandemic-related health products. They will provide WHO with “rapid access targeting 20 percent of their real-time production of safe, high-quality, and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.”
The distribution of these health products will be prioritized based on public health risks and necessities, especially considering the needs of developing nations, as stated by the WHO.
Point of View
I believe the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is a crucial step towards addressing the global healthcare inequities highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic. This landmark decision exemplifies a collective commitment to preparedness and equitable healthcare access, which is essential for safeguarding public health in the future.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WHO Pandemic Agreement?
The WHO Pandemic Agreement is the first international legal framework aimed at addressing global healthcare gaps and inequities during pandemics, adopted by member countries of the WHO.
How did the Agreement come about?
The Agreement was established following three years of negotiations initiated by the WHO in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted significant healthcare disparities.
What does the Agreement entail?
The Agreement focuses on strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, and includes the establishment of a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System (PABS).
What is the role of pharmaceutical companies in this Agreement?
Pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will ensure equitable access to pandemic-related health products by allocating a portion of their production to WHO.
When will the Agreement come into effect?
The Agreement will enter into force after receiving 60 ratifications from national legislative bodies.
