WHO Adopts Pandemic Agreement

General Studies Paper-2

Context: WHO Member States approved a historic resolution calling for adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, aimed at making the world safer from future pandemics.

WHO Pandemic Agreement

• The agreement is the result of over three years of negotiations initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic to address global inequities and improve pandemic preparedness and response.
• This includes equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
• It was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution.
• It seeks to enhance collaboration among countries, WHO, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to prevent pandemics and improve response systems.
• It will open for signature and ratification after the annex is finalized. It will enter into force once 60 countries ratify it.
• It complements the International Health Regulations (IHR) amendments adopted in 2024.

Key Provisions

• Establishment of a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system, to be negotiated and presented at next year’s World Health Assembly.
• Creation of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism and a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to ensure equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products.
• Pharmaceutical companies in the PABS system must provide 20% of their real-time production of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics to WHO for equitable distribution, prioritizing developing countries.

Significance of an Agreement

• This landmark global accord reflects a unified international commitment to ensure a stronger, faster, and fairer response to future pandemic threats, grounded in equity, solidarity, and scientific evidence.