/committee-a-world-health-assembly.tmb-1200v.jpg?sfvrsn=9ee7bd42_6 "WHO Pandemic Agreement: Key Approval Achieved")
WHO Pandemic Agreement: Key Approval Achieved
- World Health organization (WHO) member states have approved a resolution for a historic global compact designed to bolster the world's defenses against future pandemics.The WHO Pandemic Agreement, a...
- The agreement follows more than three years of negotiations initiated by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Tedros adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded the agreement, stating that it will make the global community "more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of...
world Health Institution (WHO) member states approved a resolution for a groundbreaking global pandemic agreement, a pivotal move designed to fortify global health security. This landmark agreement aims to address critical gaps in pandemic prevention and response, promoting international collaboration and equitable access to vital health products. Spearheaded by teh WHO, the agreement prioritizes timely access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics to effectively combat future outbreaks. This comprehensive strategy, born from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizes the establishment of a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS) and the creation of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism and a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network. The resolution,as reported by News Directory 3,will be presented to the World Health Assembly. Discover what’s next as this global effort unfolds.
WHO Member States Approve Landmark Pandemic Agreement
Updated May 28, 2025
World Health organization (WHO) member states have approved a resolution for a historic global compact designed to bolster the world’s defenses against future pandemics.The WHO Pandemic Agreement, a significant step in global health security, is slated for final adoption by the World Health Assembly on Tuesday.
The agreement follows more than three years of negotiations initiated by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to address inequities in preventing,preparing for,and responding to pandemics,fostering collaboration among countries,international organizations,civil society,and the private sector.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded the agreement, stating that it will make the global community “more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential.” He congratulated member states for uniting to protect the world from future pandemic threats.
The resolution outlines steps for implementing the Pandemic Agreement, including drafting an annex to establish a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS). This system will be further developed by an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG), with the results to be considered at next year’s World Health Assembly. The Pandemic Agreement will be open for signatures and ratification after the PABS annex is adopted, and it will enter into force after 60 ratifications.
Member states also directed the IGWG to facilitate the creation of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism and a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL). These initiatives aim to ensure equitable, timely, and affordable access to essential health products during public health emergencies.
The Pandemic Agreement emphasizes the role of pharmaceutical manufacturers in ensuring equitable access to health products. Participating manufacturers will make available to WHO rapid access targeting 20% of their real time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.
“The WHO Pandemic Agreement is a presentation of the shared desire by all people to be better prepared to prevent and respond to the next pandemic, with a commitment to the principles of respect for human dignity, equity, solidarity and sovereignty, and basing public health decisions to control pandemics on the best available science and evidence,” saeid the Honorable Dr. Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and social Services of Namibia.
What’s next
The WHO Pandemic Agreement and the resolution will be presented to the full plenary of the World Health Assembly on Tuesday, followed by a high-level segment featuring statements from heads of state. the agreement aligns with amendments to the International Health Regulations adopted last year, further strengthening global health security.