WHO approves global pandemic preparedness pact

The World Health Assembly has officially approved a historic agreement aimed at enhancing global readiness and response to future pandemics, concluding three years of intensive negotiations among member states.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the adoption of the agreement, calling it “a win for global solidarity” and a significant milestone in advancing public health, scientific collaboration, and international unity.

Adopted at the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, the resolution responds to the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused massive loss of life and economic upheaval around the globe. The resolution garnered strong support, with 124 nations voting in favor, none opposed, and five abstaining.

The newly approved agreement outlines comprehensive measures to strengthen early detection systems, improve prevention strategies, and ensure swift global response to emerging health threats.

A major component of the accord is the commitment to equitable distribution of medical resources — including vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments — which became a critical issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, when wealthier nations secured the lion’s share of supplies.

To promote fairness, pharmaceutical companies operating under the WHO’s mechanism are now required to allocate 20 percent of their pandemic-time production output: 10 percent as donations and another 10 percent to be sold at accessible, affordable rates.

The WHO said the new global health framework is aimed at preventing the inequalities experienced during past pandemics and establishing a more coordinated, inclusive, and effective response to future health emergencies.