After more than 3 years of negotiations, member states of the WHO approved a historic agreement today (April 16, 2025) aimed at better preparation and coordinated action against any future pandemics that could disrupt global health. “The member states of WHO have taken a major step forward in efforts to make the world safer from pandemics, hammering out an agreement blueprint which will be reviewed at the next World Health Assembly in May,” explained the organization, part of the UN system, in the press release it issued. The agreement was finalized after a final 24-hour negotiation session. “We reached an agreement at 01:58,” remarked a representative at the French Office, while champagne glasses were being prepared at the organization’s offices. “The nations of the world made history today in Geneva,” commented Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “By reaching consensus on the Pandemic Accord, not only have they closed a deal that is the most significant in a generation to make the world safer, but they also demonstrated that multilateralism is still alive, and in our divided world, countries can still collaborate to find common ground and respond collectively to common threats,” added Dr. Tedros, who actively participated in the dialogue. Discussions, whether live or digital, proceeded slower than expected yesterday after a 3-day pause, particularly hitting a snag on Article 11 concerning technology transfer for pandemic-related health products, especially to benefit developing countries. This issue was central to many protests, mainly from countries that lacked resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they felt wealthy nations bought and hoarded everything from vaccine doses to tests and personal protective equipment. Other countries with strong pharmaceutical industries opposed mandatory transfers and insisted on voluntary ones. Ultimately, consensus emerged around the principle of technology transfer based on ‘mutually agreed’ terms. The agreement also outlines the creation of an ‘Access to Pathogens and Benefit-Sharing System’ (PABS), ensuring rapid data exchange about pathogens, health products, and their usage experiences, such as vaccines and testing methods/products. The goal is to expand access to these products and create a global supply chain network. This is a ‘historic agreement for health security, equality, and international solidarity,’ said Anne Claire Ambrus, co-chair of the negotiation body and France’s ambassador for global health. The WHO chief joined the negotiations late yesterday and used the opportunity to comment to the press. In his view, the text is ‘balanced’ and will bring ‘more equality.’ Most importantly, Dr. Tedros warned everyone not to lose sight of what he considers most crucial. ‘The cost of inaction is much higher’ since ‘the virus is the worst enemy, potentially worse than war.’
WHO: Historic Agreement Among Member States to Combat Future Pandemics
—