WHO Member States Finalize Draft Pandemic Agreement for Global Preparedness

1. Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) have successfully concluded negotiations on a draft Pandemic Agreement aimed at bolstering global health security.
2. The draft was finalized by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), established by the World Health Assembly in 2021 for this specific purpose.

Role of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB)

1. INB was entrusted with the task of drafting a comprehensive international agreement to enhance pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
2. After multiple rounds of negotiations, the draft is now scheduled for submission to the World Health Assembly in May 2025 for final consideration.

Overview of the WHO Pandemic Agreement

1. Objective: To create a robust international mechanism to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics in a coordinated manner.
2. The agreement outlines legally binding commitments and cooperative measures among nations for effective health emergency management.

Key Provisions of the Draft Treaty

1. Pandemic Prevention & Surveillance: Countries must conduct regular risk assessments of emerging pathogens to identify and contain threats early.
2. One Health Approach: Emphasizes the interconnected health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems to detect zoonotic diseases at source.
3. Technology and Knowledge Transfer: Promotes transparent licensing systems and encourages technology-sharing for the benefit of developing nations.
4. Access and Benefit Sharing: Proposes creation of a WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System to ensure equitable access to pathogen samples and medical tools globally.

Why a Global Pandemic Agreement is Needed

1. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the gaps in global health coordination and emergency response frameworks.
2. A unified treaty ensures global collaboration across all sectors—governments, science, civil society—for stronger collective defense.
3. The agreement prioritizes equity in access to essential medical tools like vaccines, personal protective equipment, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
4. It aims to mobilize sustainable finance by enabling resource allocation for preparedness, health system strengthening, and emergency response.

Existing Framework: International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005 The IHR (2005) serves as the existing global legal instrument for managing public health risks and emergencies of international concern. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of WHO Member States in reporting and responding to health threats. The IHR includes 194 Member States and two additional participants: Liechtenstein and the Holy See. Originally adopted in 1969, IHR was limited to six infectious diseases but has been expanded to include biological, chemical, radiological, and other trans-boundary health risks over time.