Pandemic Treaty (WHO Pandemic Agreement)

Why in news?

Recently, member states of World Health Organization (WHO) have adopted a Pandemic Agreement without opposition at the World Health Assembly in Geneva after over three years of negotiations and 13 rounds of meetings.

• Pandemic Treaty – It is the world's first Pandemic Agreement to ensure better global cooperation, preparedness, and response to future pandemics.
• Purpose of the Pandemic Treaty
  • To prepare nations with better systems and resources.
  • To respond more effectively and equitably during global health emergencies.
• Equity and multilateralism focus – The treaty aims to address inequities seen during COVID-19 (e.g., vaccine hoarding by rich nations).
• It emphasizes solidarity between nations and support for low- and middle-income countries.

The WHO Pandemic Agreement is the second international legal agreement negotiated under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. The first was the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was adopted in 2003 and came into force in 2005.

Core Components of the Agreement

• Pathogen access and benefit sharing system – It includes a formal mechanism where countries sharing virus samples receive guaranteed benefits.
• It also establishes a coordinated financial mechanism for implementation.
• Up to 20% of medical products of pharma companies will be reserved for WHO with,
  • 10% donated by pharmaceutical companies
  • 10% offered at affordable prices
• Equitable resource Distribution – Benefit sharing system will ensure a fair access to diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments during future pandemics.
• The distribution of these products to countries will be based on public health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries.
• Technology transfer – It facilitates transfer of technology, knowledge, and skills on "mutually agreed terms".
• It aims to build geographically diverse R&D and manufacturing capacity.
• Healthcare worker protection - All countries agreed to a provision for better protection and support for frontline health workers in future pandemics.

Limitations

• The United States is not a part of the final agreement, having withdrawn from WHO under the Trump administration.
• The treaty is non-binding; there are no penalties if countries fail to comply, limiting enforceability.
• Negotiations on operational aspects, like how samples and products will be shared, are still ongoing.

Reference

The Indian Express| WHO adopts first global pandemic treaty