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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Tom Cruise has officially entered the record books again—this time for a stunt involving a flaming parachute performed 16 times for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
British chip designer Alphawave is set to be acquired by U.S. semiconductor giant Qualcomm in a $2.4 billion deal, marking another major loss for the London Stock Exchange as tech firms continue shifting to U.S. markets in search of higher valuations.
Uzbekistan and Slovakia have officially launched a strategic partnership following high-level talks in Tashkent between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico.
A number of French companies are facing restructurings due to economic challenges, a situation that has garnered interest from hedge funds specialising in distressed debt.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged governments to ratify the 2023 High Seas Treaty, warning that illegal fishing, plastic waste and rising ocean temperatures are pushing marine ecosystems toward crisis.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
Israel’s military says it has identified the body of top Hamas commander Mohammed Sinwar beneath a hospital in southern Gaza.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
The Church of England is set to invest a record $2.2 billion over three years to support clergy and parishes, aiming to fuel a revival in church attendance.
A cargo ship sailing under the Singapore flag caught fire in the Arabian Sea, forcing crew members to abandon ship as thick smoke and explosions rocked the vessel.
Uzbekistan and Slovakia have officially launched a strategic partnership following high-level talks in Tashkent between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico.
A massive rescue operation is underway after explosions and fire broke out on a Singapore-flagged cargo ship on route to Mumbai, forcing crew members to abandon the vessel.
Poland's newly elected president, Karol Nawrocki, said in his first international interview that Hungary is a key partner and he aims to strengthen cooperation through the Visegrad Group, an alliance of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Tom Cruise has officially entered the record books again—this time for a stunt involving a flaming parachute performed 16 times for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
British chip designer Alphawave is set to be acquired by U.S. semiconductor giant Qualcomm in a $2.4 billion deal, marking another major loss for the London Stock Exchange as tech firms continue shifting to U.S. markets in search of higher valuations.
Uzbekistan and Slovakia have officially launched a strategic partnership following high-level talks in Tashkent between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico.
A number of French companies are facing restructurings due to economic challenges, a situation that has garnered interest from hedge funds specialising in distressed debt.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged governments to ratify the 2023 High Seas Treaty, warning that illegal fishing, plastic waste and rising ocean temperatures are pushing marine ecosystems toward crisis.
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