A landmark pandemic treaty is set to be adopted next month, aiming to bolster international cooperation in health crises.
Countries Unite for Pandemic Treaty After Prolonged Negotiations
Countries Unite for Pandemic Treaty After Prolonged Negotiations
The World Health Organization secures agreement on treaty to enhance global health security, despite US withdrawal.
After an extensive three-year negotiation period, member nations of the World Health Organization (WHO) have successfully reached a consensus on a draft pandemic treaty intended to strengthen global health responses. This agreement emerges in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, where many developing countries struggled with inadequate access to essential vaccines and treatments.
The newly established treaty seeks to ensure that wealthier nations share critical information regarding pathogens as well as technological resources necessary for interventions, such as vaccine distribution. Despite the treaty's impending adoption, the United States is anticipated to refrain from ratification, having previously exited negotiations following the withdrawal initiated by former President Trump.
Though the draft treaty represents a reduced ambition compared to the original vision outlined by the WHO at the height of the Covid crisis, it signifies a pivotal milestone in multilateral efforts—emerging from a global arena where American influence has waned. Nina Schwalbe, a global health consultant, emphasizes the treaty's historical significance, noting the collaborative achievement among 191 member states.
Initiated in December 2021, the WHO brought together negotiators to create a global framework for more responsive actions against emerging health threats. The agreement stands to be legally binding, thus formalizing commitments to information sharing and health equity, and fostering a commitment to collective preparedness for future pandemics.
The newly established treaty seeks to ensure that wealthier nations share critical information regarding pathogens as well as technological resources necessary for interventions, such as vaccine distribution. Despite the treaty's impending adoption, the United States is anticipated to refrain from ratification, having previously exited negotiations following the withdrawal initiated by former President Trump.
Though the draft treaty represents a reduced ambition compared to the original vision outlined by the WHO at the height of the Covid crisis, it signifies a pivotal milestone in multilateral efforts—emerging from a global arena where American influence has waned. Nina Schwalbe, a global health consultant, emphasizes the treaty's historical significance, noting the collaborative achievement among 191 member states.
Initiated in December 2021, the WHO brought together negotiators to create a global framework for more responsive actions against emerging health threats. The agreement stands to be legally binding, thus formalizing commitments to information sharing and health equity, and fostering a commitment to collective preparedness for future pandemics.
