WHO Adopts Historic Global Pandemic Agreement at 78th World Health Assembly

In a landmark decision at the 78th World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted the world’s first Global Pandemic Agreement under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. Aimed at boosting global health security and ensuring equitable pandemic preparedness and response, this is only the second legally binding instrument by WHO after the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

What Is the WHO’s Global Pandemic Agreement?

Overview

Adopted on May 20, 2025, the WHO Global Pandemic Agreement outlines a framework for international collaboration to enhance global pandemic preparedness. The treaty promotes fair access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics and seeks to build a resilient global health architecture.

• The agreement is now open for signature and ratification.
• It becomes legally binding once ratified by 60 countries.

Background

The idea for the treaty emerged in December 2021, during the height of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The pandemic revealed critical gaps in global coordination, including vaccine hoarding by wealthier nations, which left developing countries without access to life-saving tools.

• Research shows that equitable vaccine distribution could have saved over one million lives.
• To prevent future inequality, WHO member states initiated negotiations for this treaty.

Key Features of the WHO Pandemic Treaty

1. Pathogen Access & Benefit Sharing (PABS)

• Pharmaceutical companies will receive access to pathogen samples and genetic data.
• In return, they must share:
  • 10% of pandemic-related health products (vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics) with WHO.
  • An additional 10% at affordable prices, ensuring access for low-income countries.

2. Technology and Knowledge Transfer

• Member states are urged to incentivize the transfer of medical technology and expertise.
• This supports local manufacturing in developing nations, improving self-sufficiency.

3. Coordinating Financial Mechanism & GSCL

• Establishment of a global funding system for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
• Launch of the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to remove trade barriers and ensure:
  • Timely
  • Affordable
  • Safe access to health products during public health emergencies.

4. Fair Access to Publicly Funded Research

• Governments must guarantee that medical products developed with public funding are accessible and affordable.
• Intervention is expected when life-saving tools are unavailable or overpriced.

5. National Sovereignty Maintained

• WHO cannot override national laws.
• The treaty does not authorize WHO to impose travel bans, lockdowns, or vaccination mandates—ensuring that each country retains control over its public health policies.

Key Concerns About the WHO Pandemic Agreement

1. Limited Enforcement Authority

• The treaty restricts WHO from enforcing critical health measures like lockdowns or vaccine mandates.
• This may reduce global coordination and compliance in future emergencies.

2. Intellectual Property (IP) and Innovation

• Pharmaceutical firms emphasize the need for strong IP protection to support innovation.
• Balancing research incentives with equitable access remains a major challenge.

3. Unclear Benefit-Sharing Implementation

• The PABS system aims for fair sharing of pathogen data and medical benefits.
• However, the operational framework is still under negotiation, with updates expected at the 2026 World Health Assembly.

4. US Withdrawal from WHO

• The United States’ exit from WHO weakens the treaty’s potential.
• Without U.S. pharma involvement, gaps in global data sharing and product availability may persist.

India’s Role in Shaping the WHO Pandemic Treaty

India has played a proactive and influential role in shaping the global pandemic framework:

1. Championing Equity and Global Solidarity

• Strong advocate for equitable access to vaccines and diagnostics, particularly for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Actively pushed for anti-vaccine nationalism clauses in the treaty.

2. Promoting Technology Transfer and IPR Flexibility

• Alongside South Africa, India led the WTO campaign for IP waivers on COVID-19 vaccines.
• Continues to push for balanced IPR rules to promote local production in developing nations.

3. Strengthening Health Systems

• India emphasizes investments in:
  • Public health infrastructure
  • Health workforce training
  • Emergency preparedness in low-resource settings

Conclusion

The WHO Global Pandemic Agreement represents a pivotal step toward building a fairer, more coordinated response to future health crises. While challenges around implementation, IP rights, and geopolitical dynamics remain, the treaty sets a global precedent for solidarity, preparedness, and resilience in the face of pandemics.