World Health Organization Approves New Pandemic Agreement
Geneva, Tuesday, 20 May 2025.
The World Health Organization has approved a historic pandemic agreement to enhance global health security, aiming to address vaccine inequity and improve collaboration among nations.
Historic Agreement Reaches Final Stage
On May 19, 2025, WHO Member States took a decisive step forward by approving the landmark pandemic agreement in Committee A of the World Health Assembly [1]. The agreement, representing three years of intensive negotiations, aims to establish a comprehensive framework for global pandemic preparedness and response [2]. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that this agreement would make the global community more equitable and safer from potential pandemic threats [1].
Financial Commitments and Implementation Framework
The agreement comes with substantial financial backing, with Germany announcing an additional €10 million contribution to WHO on May 18, 2025 [6]. The WHO’s Programme Budget for 2026-2027 has been set at US$ 4.267 billion [5], demonstrating a significant financial commitment to global health security. The agreement includes a groundbreaking Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS), which requires pharmaceutical companies to contribute 20% of their vaccines and countermeasures in real-time during future health emergencies [3].
Global Collaboration and Equity Focus
The agreement emphasizes enhanced prevention through improved data sharing and outbreak monitoring [6]. A key feature is the ‘One Health’ approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health considerations [6]. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding vaccine equity and manufacturing capabilities. The agreement acknowledges that few low-income countries currently possess high-quality manufacturing capabilities [3], prompting calls for sustained investment in local research and development infrastructure.
Implementation Timeline and Next Steps
The implementation process is set to begin immediately, with plans for full activation by January 2026 [7]. The agreement will be complemented by a Ministerial Roundtable on data and sustainable financing scheduled for May 21, 2025 [5]. Despite the US not being bound to the treaty [2], the agreement represents a significant step forward in global health cooperation, with 194 member states participating in its development [7].
Bronnen
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