After more than three years of tough negotiations, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) have finally agreed on the basic framework of a global pandemic treaty. The major step forward came after a nearly 24-hour negotiation session in Geneva, with leaders calling it a historic moment for global health.
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough for Global Preparedness
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the deal “a gift to future generations.” He praised the delegates for their dedication and patience. The agreement outlines how the world should prepare for and respond to future pandemics. It is the most ambitious health treaty since the one that created the WHO in 1948.
The deal is not yet final, but the main structure is now in place. Delegates are expected to complete the full draft of the treaty next week. The final vote will take place during the WHO’s annual General Assembly meeting in May.
The agreement is meant to strengthen how countries work together when facing a pandemic threat. It focuses on faster responses, better planning, and fair access to treatments.
Technology Sharing Deal Ends Major Dispute
One of the biggest issues in the talks was how to handle access to life-saving medical tools. During COVID-19, many poorer nations had to wait months—sometimes more than a year—for vaccines, while richer countries secured early supplies. That led to widespread criticism and raised deep concerns about fairness.
Low-income nations demanded that in future emergencies, vaccine and treatment technologies should be shared quickly and without restriction. They wanted mandatory rules to prevent delays.
On the other side, wealthier countries, especially those with strong pharmaceutical industries like Germany and the U.K., argued that sharing must remain voluntary. They feared that mandatory measures could discourage investment in drug research.
This week, negotiators reached a compromise. While they have not shared the exact language yet, both sides say they found common ground. Officials hinted that countries will be encouraged—but not forced—to share vaccines and data during future health crises.
COVID-19 Pushed the World Toward a Treaty
The push for this treaty began in late 2021, shortly after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus killed over 20 million people worldwide, overwhelmed hospitals, and caused economic damage on every continent.
COVID-19 also revealed major problems in how countries prepare for health threats. Many failed to act quickly. Others refused to share medical supplies or blocked exports. The result was global chaos and avoidable deaths.
The WHO wants this new treaty to change that. The aim is to make sure all nations, no matter how rich or poor, follow the same rules during a pandemic. These rules will guide how countries report new outbreaks, share data, and distribute vaccines and treatments.
The treaty will also push for more funding in early warning systems, better public health tools, and stronger national healthcare networks.
U.S. Remains on the Sidelines
One major country, however, is missing from the negotiations. The United States, once a leader in global health efforts, is not part of the process.
Back in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the WHO. That decision was heavily criticized by health experts. Though President Joe Biden brought the U.S. back into the WHO after taking office, the country has not joined the current treaty talks.
Experts say the absence of the U.S. makes the treaty less powerful but does not stop progress. WHO leaders remain hopeful that the U.S. may engage later.
A Treaty with Global Impact
This treaty could reshape how the world responds to disease outbreaks. While not every detail is finalized, the structure promises to improve global coordination. It also aims to reduce the health gaps between rich and poor nations.
Critics of the treaty worry about enforcement. Some ask how the WHO will ensure countries follow the rules. Others fear political pressure or lack of funding may weaken the deal.
But supporters argue that having a shared set of expectations is better than having none at all. As one African delegate put it, “We can’t stop the next pandemic, but we can face it better together.”
What’s Next?
Delegates will return to Geneva next week to finish the treaty text. Once that’s done, WHO member states will review the final version and vote on it at the General Assembly in late May. If passed, the treaty will set the foundation for future health action and shape how the world handles new threats.
The road ahead remains complex. But after years of meetings, this week’s breakthrough marks a major step toward a safer and more united global health system.