Grateful for India's commitment, support to Pandemic Accord: WHO chief

IANS May 22, 2025 367 views

The World Health Organization has adopted a landmark Pandemic Accord with strong support from India, marking a significant milestone in global health cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 78th World Health Assembly, highlighting the importance of inclusive and collaborative approaches to future health challenges. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus publicly thanked India for its commitment to the treaty. The agreement aims to address healthcare inequities and improve global preparedness for potential future pandemics.

"The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, an integrated vision, and collaboration" - PM Narendra Modi
Grateful for India's commitment, support to Pandemic Accord: WHO chief
New Delhi, May 22: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has thanked India for its commitment and support to the historic Pandemic Accord.

Key Points

1

WHO adopts historic Pandemic Accord after three years of negotiations

2

India commits to sharing global health learnings and best practices

3

Treaty aims to bridge healthcare gaps in future pandemics

4

PM Modi emphasizes global cooperation and inclusivity

After three years of negotiations, the Agreement was adopted by consensus by member countries of the WHO at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva this week.

India is also a signatory to this treaty, which has been in talks since the Covid-19 outbreak, which killed millions of people worldwide. The treaty aims to bridge global healthcare gaps and inequities in case of future pandemics.

“Namaste, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for joining us virtually at a historic 78th WHA when the Pandemic Accord was adopted. We are grateful for India's commitment and support to the WHO,” the WHO chief said in a post on social media platform X.

Addressing the WHA, via videoconferencing, PM Modi said the WHO Pandemic Treaty is a shared commitment that requires greater global cooperation.

“The WHO Pandemic Treaty is a shared commitment to fighting future pandemics through greater global cooperation,” said PM Modi, while extending his congratulations on the successful negotiations of the treaty. He also expressed India’s willingness to share its learnings and best practices with the world, especially with the Global South.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of building a healthy planet while ensuring that no one is left behind.

“The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, an integrated vision, and collaboration," he said.

Meanwhile, the Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, who led the Indian delegation at the WHA also congratulated the WHO and member states on the historic progress made toward advancing the Pandemic Treaty.

Srivastava emphasised the importance of confronting future health challenges with a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.

“The Pandemic agreement must ensure equitable access to medical countermeasures, timely and transparent data and pathogen sharing; and promote technology sharing and capacity building, particularly for the Global South,” she said.

She also reaffirmed India’s commitment to global health equity at the 78th WHA.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a proud moment for India! 🇮🇳 Our leadership in global health initiatives shows how far we've come. The Pandemic Accord will help prevent another COVID-like tragedy. Hope other nations follow India's example in sharing knowledge with Global South countries.
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Priya M.
While I appreciate India's role, I hope this treaty doesn't become another bureaucratic exercise. We need concrete action - like how India supplied vaccines to 100+ countries during COVID. Actions speak louder than treaties!
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Amit S.
India's vaccine diplomacy during pandemic was exemplary. Now with this treaty, we're setting global standards. But we must ensure our own healthcare system gets stronger too - rural hospitals need more attention.
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Sunita R.
"No one left behind" - this is the most important line. During COVID, we saw how poor countries suffered while rich nations hoarded vaccines. India's stance on equitable access is commendable. Jai Hind! 🙏
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Vikram P.
Good step, but implementation is key. Remember how some countries blocked vaccine raw material exports to India during peak COVID? The treaty must have teeth to prevent such selfish actions in future crises.
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Neha T.
As someone who lost family members to COVID, I truly hope this treaty makes a difference. India's traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda could also contribute to global pandemic preparedness. We have so much to offer the world!

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Tags:
WHO Pandemic Accord Narendra Modi Dr Tedros Adhanom World Health Assembly Global Health COVID-19 Healthcare Treaty