GENEVA, 20th May, 2025 (WAM) -- The World Health Assembly on Tuesday approved a landmark agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, following three years of complex negotiations.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, described the accord as a victory for public health, science and multilateral cooperation. In a statement published by the media, he said it would enable the global community to better protect the world from pandemic threats.
The agreement, endorsed during the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, aims to enhance preparedness for future pandemics and improve response mechanisms. It was developed in the aftermath of the collective failure to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed millions of lives and severely impacted the global economy.
The resolution was supported by 124 countries, with none voting against and five abstaining. It sets out a framework for earlier and more effective global coordination in monitoring, preventing and responding to potential pandemic threats. It also ensures equitable access to health products in the event of a pandemic—a demand made by less affluent nations during the COVID-19 crisis, when wealthier countries dominated vaccine and diagnostic supplies.
The agreement further stipulates that any pharmaceutical group participating in the mechanism must provide the World Health Organization with rapid access to 20 percent of its real-time production of safe vaccines, treatments and diagnostics in the event of a pandemic—10 percent as donations, with the remainder offered at affordable prices.