Global Pandemic Treaty

Current Context : The World Health Organization (WHO) member states adopted the first-ever global pandemic treaty during the 78^th  World Health Assembly in Geneva. 

Voting Outcome: 124 countries in favor, 11 abstentions (including Poland, Israel, Italy, Russia, Slovakia, and Iran); no votes against. Notably, the United States did not participate.

About the Treaty

• The treaty aims to enhance global preparedness and response to future pandemics by addressing the shortcomings observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• It emphasizes equitable access to health tools, strengthens international coordination, and promotes a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Key Objectives

• Equitable Access: Ensure fair distribution of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics during pandemics.
• International Coordination: Strengthen global health infrastructure and cooperation among nations.
• One Health Approach: Integrate human, animal, and environmental health strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
• Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS): Establish a system for sharing pathogen samples and related benefits, with provisions to be finalized in an annex by 2026.
• Research and Development: Encourage geographically diverse research and development, along with local manufacturing capabilities.
• Technology Transfer: Facilitate the sharing of technology and knowledge to build global capacity for pandemic response

About WHO

• Established: Founded on April 7, 1948, as a specialized agency of the United Nations.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Membership: Comprises 194 Member States and two associate members.
• Mission: To attain the highest possible level of health for all people, defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.