WHO Pandemic Agreement
After extensive negotiations spanning nearly three-and-a-half years and 13 meetings, WHO member states have reached a consensus on measures to handle pandemics effectively. On April 16, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body finalized a proposal for the WHO Pandemic Agreement, set to be adopted by the World Health Assembly next month.
Scope and Achievements
The draft, though more limited than the original proposal, is significant due to the diverse priorities of the Global North and developing countries. The U.S.'s withdrawal from WHO added complexity to these negotiations.
- Developed Countries' Hesitations:
- Reluctance to commit to sharing diagnostics, treatments, vaccines, and technology transfers.
- Developing Countries' Concerns:
- Apprehensive about sharing pathogen samples and genome sequences without guaranteed access to resultant tests, treatments, and vaccines.
This mirrors past issues, like Indonesia's concerns over H5N1 sample sharing, highlighting inequitable access to vaccines.
Key Agreements
- Protection of Health-care Workers: Countries committed to better protection measures.
- Pathogen and Benefit Sharing System: Developing countries will receive access to diagnostics, vaccines, or treatments developed from their shared pathogen samples.
Pharmaceutical Commitments
- Pharma companies have agreed to donate 10% of production to WHO and sell up to another 10% at affordable prices.
Technology Transfer and Vaccine Equity
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed inequities in vaccine distribution, with developed countries stockpiling vaccines while developing countries, especially in Africa, faced shortages.
- Technology transfer agreements will occur on "mutually agreed terms" instead of being "voluntary".
- The treaty emphasizes "equitable access to health products" and encourages technology exchange.
