WHO adopts Pandemic Agreement to strengthen global preparedeness

Context

• In a move to bolster global collaboration and ensure a stronger and more equitable response to future pandemics, the World Health Organization (WHO) member states on Tuesday unanimously adopted the world’s first Pandemic Agreement, marking the culmination of over three years of negotiations initiated in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

• The landmark decision by the 78th World Health Assembly is the culmination of more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and driven by the goal of making the world safer from — and more equitable in response to — future pandemics, the release said.

• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed inequities in vaccine distribution, with developed countries stockpiling vaccines while developing countries, especially in Africa, faced shortages.

Pandemic Agreement

• The agreement sets out the principles, approaches and tools for better international coordination across a range of areas, in order to strengthen the global health architecture for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This includes through the equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

• Protection of Health-care Workers: Countries committed to better protection measures.

• Pathogen and Benefit Sharing System: Developing countries will receive access to diagnostics, vaccines, or treatments developed from their shared pathogen samples.

• Pharmaceutical Commitments: Pharma companies have agreed to donate 10% of production to WHO and sell up to another 10% at affordable prices.

• Technology transfer agreements will occur on "mutually agreed terms" instead of being "voluntary".

• The treaty emphasizes "equitable access to health products" and encourages technology exchange.

World Health Organization (WHO)

• Established in: 1948, as a specialized agency of the United Nations focusing on international public health.

• Headquarters: Based in Geneva, Switzerland.

• World Health Assembly (WHA): Highest decision-making body; meets annually.

• Core Objectives:

1. Promote universal health coverage.

2. Combat disease outbreaks, ensure health security, and advance public well-being.

3. Support countries in policy development, emergency preparedness, and health system strengthening

• Funding Mechanism:

1. Assessed contributions: Mandatory membership dues.

2. Voluntary contributions: Additional funding from countries, UN bodies, private sector, and philanthropies