WHO Member States approve global pandemic deal, adoption expected Tuesday

Countries have taken a major step toward finalizing a landmark global agreement aimed at preventing future pandemics.

The agreement follows more than three years of talks launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to address global gaps in pandemic readiness and response. If adopted, it would be the first legally binding deal of its kind under WHO’s Constitution, focused on stronger cooperation between countries, institutions, and private and civil sectors.

“Governments are acting together to make the world healthier, fairer and safer from future pandemic threats,” said WHO Director-General Dr TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS. “This agreement means countries will be better prepared and more united the next time a pandemic strikes.”

Namibia’s Health Minister, Dr ESPERANCE LUVINDAO, who chaired Monday’s committee session, called the deal a show of solidarity after the devastating global losses from COVID-19. “We owe this to the world’s children, elders and health workers,” she said.

If approved in Tuesday’s vote, the resolution will launch several key initiatives:

A new Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system, which aims to ensure fair access to virus samples and resulting treatments or vaccines;

A global supply and logistics network to guarantee fast and equitable distribution of pandemic-related health tools;

The creation of a financial coordination mechanism to support global pandemic response efforts.

Under the proposed terms, vaccine and drug manufacturers would be expected to make 20% of real-time production of vaccines, treatments and tests available to WHO during a pandemic. Distribution would prioritize public health risk and developing countries.

The agreement complements recent updates to the International Health Regulations, which strengthen global outbreak detection and response.

Tuesday’s full assembly vote will be followed by high-level speeches from world leaders. If adopted, the deal will need 60 national ratifications to officially take effect.

WHO officials praised the efforts of negotiators and the support teams involved. “This is a historic achievement,” said Dr Tedros. “The world is safer today because of their work.”

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