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Key Points

The World Health Organization has made a groundbreaking move by adopting the first-ever Pandemic Agreement after three years of intense negotiations. This historic treaty aims to bridge global healthcare disparities and prepare governments for potential future health crises like Covid-19. The agreement requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to contribute 20% of their pandemic-related product production to ensure equitable global access. Once ratified by 60 countries, this landmark document represents a significant step towards collective global health preparedness and response.

Key Points: WHO Pandemic Agreement Bridges Global Health Equity Gaps

  • First global pandemic treaty addressing healthcare inequities
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturers to share 20% of pandemic product production
  • Agreement requires 60 countries for full implementation
  • Aims to protect vulnerable populations during health emergencies
3 min read

WHO adopts historic Pandemic Agreement to bridge global healthcare gaps, inequities

Historic WHO Pandemic Agreement adopted to strengthen global health response and prevent future pandemic vulnerabilities

"The world is safer today thanks to the leadership, collaboration, and commitment of our Member States - Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General"

Geneva, May 20

In a historic move, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday formally adopted the world's first Pandemic Agreement, after three years of negotiations.

The Agreement, adopted by consensus by member countries of the WHO at the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly, aims to bridge global healthcare gaps and inequities in case of future pandemics.

Amid the Covid-19 outbreak, which killed millions of people worldwide, the WHO Member States in December 202`1 established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement, or other international instrument, under the WHO Constitution, to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

After 13 formal rounds of meetings, nine of which were extended, and many informal and intersessional negotiations on various aspects of the draft agreement, the proposal was finalised in April this year.

The Pandemic Agreement aims to prepare governments for future pandemics following the Covid-19 outbreak, which killed millions of people between the years of 2020 and 2022.

“The world is safer today thanks to the leadership, collaboration, and commitment of our Member States to adopt the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“The Agreement is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action. It will ensure we, collectively, can better protect the world from future pandemic threats. It is also a recognition by the international community that our citizens, societies, and economies must not be left vulnerable to again suffer losses like those endured during Covid-19,” Ghebreyesus added.

The WHO Pandemic Agreement is the second international legal agreement negotiated under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, the first being the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was adopted in 2003 and entered into force in 2005.

The resolution includes launching a process to draft and negotiate a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System (PABS) through an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG).

Once the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, the WHO Pandemic Agreement will then be open for signature and consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies. After 60 ratifications, the Agreement will enter into force.

According to the Agreement, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will play a key role in equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products by making available to WHO “rapid access targeting 20 per cent of their real-time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.”

The distribution of these products to countries will be carried out based on public health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries, the WHO said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on the WHO Pandemic Agreement:
P
Priya K.
This is a much-needed step after the COVID disaster! India suffered terribly with vaccine inequity - remember how rich nations hoarded doses while our people waited? Hope this agreement ensures fair distribution next time. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
R
Rahul S.
Good initiative but implementation will be key. Will developed nations actually follow through when crisis hits? Also, India's pharmaceutical industry must get proper recognition and fair compensation for vaccine production.
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Anjali M.
As someone who lost family members during Delta wave, I welcome this. But the agreement should also focus on strengthening primary healthcare in countries like ours. No point having vaccines if rural hospitals lack oxygen supply. 😔
S
Sanjay P.
Hope this doesn't become another tool for Western nations to dictate terms. India showed the world how to handle pandemic with Vaccine Maitri program. Our self-reliance in pharma must be protected at all costs.
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Neha T.
The 20% production sharing clause is good but what about technology transfer? During COVID, India's generic manufacturers could have helped more if patents weren't blocking the way. This agreement should address IP rights during emergencies.
V
Vikram D.
While the intent is noble, I'm concerned about sovereignty issues. Will this agreement allow foreign interference in our health policies? Our government must ensure any ratification protects India's right to make independent decisions during crises.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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