WHO Nears Pandemic Treaty‌ to Address Global Health Inequities

GENEVA (AP) — As of April 14, 2025, nearly 200 member states of ‌the World Health Organization (WHO) are engaged in final negotiations for a landmark global pandemic treaty. The treaty aims to rectify disparities ​exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and bolster preparedness for future‌ international health emergencies.

Closing the‌ Gap: Technology ‍Transfer ⁣Key

After three ‍years ‌of discussions, WHO member states are reportedly close to an agreement,‌ with technology transfer remaining the central sticking point, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The treaty seeks to ensure equitable access to vital⁢ resources, including vaccines, diagnostic tests, treatments, and protective equipment, which were unevenly distributed during the COVID-19⁤ crisis.

Lessons from COVID-19: vaccine ⁤Access and Pricing

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted critical ‌issues, ⁤including ⁣unequal access to vaccines and a lack of transparency in vaccine pricing. Wealthier nations secured ‌the bulk of vaccine supplies,​ leaving low- and middle-income countries reliant on WHO-backed initiatives with limited ‍and delayed access.

Negotiations Reach Critical Stage

French ambassador Anne-Claire​ Amprou,co-president of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Group,stated‍ that “a principle agreement” had been reached,with ​final details to ​be ironed out soon.

Technology Transfer: A Contentious​ Issue

Developing ⁤nations have pushed for‍ mandatory technology transfer from pharmaceutical companies during pandemics to diversify production capabilities. while countries like Brazil and India ⁣already⁢ possess significant pharmaceutical production ‌capacity, others, particularly in‌ Africa, have received assistance to develop their own capabilities following the COVID-19​ outbreak.

Compromise on Technology Transfer

The‌ latest draft of ‌the treaty stipulates that technology transfer will occur based on “mutually agreed terms,” aligning with World Trade Organization provisions that‌ allow flexibility on intellectual property rights during emergencies. A direct ​observer of the negotiations noted that‍ while progress was limited, ⁤a potential setback was averted as some countries with ⁣strong pharmaceutical industries initially sought to ⁣exclude the issue entirely.

“We have advanced little in relation to what ‍we wanted on ‌this issue, which was to show a ​global mentality of solidarity without so many conditions, but more flexible positions were necessary.”

Vaccine Sharing Commitment

A significant advancement in the treaty is the agreement that companies developing vaccines or other products using pathogen facts shared by a country will allocate 20% of their production to⁤ the WHO. This allocation will enable the WHO to distribute these products to areas of greatest ⁣need, irrespective of financial considerations.

Next Steps: World Health ⁤Assembly

If⁣ the agreement receives final⁢ approval in the coming ⁤hours,it will be presented to the World Health Assembly,the ⁢WHO’s decision-making body,at its meeting in Geneva from ‌May 19-27 for formal adoption.