The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Member States worked extensively for over three years before achieving a breakthrough in global pandemic control strategies. A draft agreement aimed at unifying global efforts in pandemic prevention and preparedness awaits evaluation during the World Health Assembly, which will assemble in May.
In response to the global health crisis caused by COVID-19, the WHO formed the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) in December 2021. The INB established a mission to build a legally enforceable document based on conventional forms that would reinforce pandemic management under the WHO’s constitutional rules.
Through 13 official negotiation rounds, nine extended sessions, and numerous informal discussions, the INB finalized a complete draft of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The document could be reviewed at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly to obtain Member State approval.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the WHO Assembly outcome historic because it showcased enduring international collaborative power even as international divisions have grown. He praised Member States and their negotiating teams and expressed confidence that the proposed agreement would gain approval.
The draft agreement consists of four essential elements. The proposed agreement unites pathogen access rules and benefit-sharing frameworks with One Health prevention strategies, creates research and innovation hubs across regions, and aids with medical tool development. The plan advocates for establishing worldwide multidisciplinary health emergency workers who can work with financial coordination and health system development systems while enhancing supply chains delivering medical materials and services.
Every nation maintains absolute authority to handle its public healthcare functions independently throughout its borders. The WHO does not have the authority to enforce travel bans, vaccination mandates, therapeutic protocols, or lockdowns, and will not intervene in national policies.
During his speech, Dr. Tedros expressed appreciation to INB Co-Chairs Ms. Precious Matsoso (South Africa) and Ambassador Anne-Claire Amprou (France), as well as Vice-Chairs and former members from Brazil, Egypt, Thailand, Japan, the Netherlands, and Australia. The WHO Secretariat offered uninterrupted support during the process, and Dr. Tedros expressed appreciation for their ongoing help with developing the agreement.
Ms. Matsoso strongly supported the national commitments to promote pandemic equity while safeguarding future populations. The process maintained its forward motion because all parties agreed to establish universal safety at the same time as global health security objectives.
During his remarks, Ambassador Amprou stated that the draft agreement represents an essential advancement for global health system development. According to Ambassador Amprou, the agreement holds tremendous importance because it integrates One Health principles while establishing mechanisms for a quick and equitable medical response to emergencies and building global solidarity.
During the special World Health Assembly meeting of 2021, the INB assembled Member States, civil society representatives, and international organizations. All negotiations for the public health instrument received Member State approval to finish within the following twelve months during the June 2024 Assembly session. The session scheduled for May 19, 2025, is significant, as the planned adoption of this essential health instrument is based on Article 19 of the WHO Constitution.
References: WHO Member States conclude negotiations and make significant progress on draft pandemic agreement: proposal to be submitted to the World Health Assembly in May for consideration. WHO. 2025; Published April 16. https://www.who.int/news/item/16-04-2025-who-member-states-conclude-negotiations-and-make-significant-progress-on-draft-pandemic-agreement
