CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a significant step toward strengthening international health systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) has finalized a new global agreement focused on pandemic preparedness. This landmark framework, developed after over three years of intensive discussions, will be submitted for final approval at the upcoming World Health Assembly. It marks only the second major international accord by WHO in its 75-year history, following the 2003 tobacco control convention.
Background And Motivation
Work on the agreement began in 2021, as countries reflected on the critical shortcomings exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for a more unified, equitable response to health emergencies prompted WHO member nations to initiate the treaty process. After 13 rounds of formal discussions, global health leaders agreed on several key elements designed to prevent resource competition and improve collaborative action in future crises.
Goals Of Treaty
Eliminate the disorganized response and resource hoarding seen during COVID-19.
Strengthen coordination and readiness across borders.
Improve access to vaccines, medicines, and essential health technologies worldwide.
Core Components Of Agreement
Global Medicine and Equipment Access
WHO will manage a global tracking system for vital items like personal protective equipment (PPE).
Manufacturers will provide: 10% of their production to WHO for distribution. Another 10% at reduced pricing to promote affordability.
Health Technology Sharing
Countries have agreed to voluntarily transfer medical technology to developing nations.
This provision aims to enhance local manufacturing capacity for vaccines and treatments.
Pathogen Data and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS)
A rapid-response system for sharing pathogen samples and genetic data.
Designed to accelerate drug and vaccine development during outbreaks.
Challenges In Reaching Consensus
The negotiation process faced roadblocks, particularly over intellectual property and tech transfer. Several countries with robust pharmaceutical sectors voiced concern that compulsory tech sharing could harm innovation. In the end, nations agreed on mutual consent-based sharing to strike a balance between access and innovation protection.
Impact On Global Health Security
This agreement represents a major diplomatic achievement, signaling renewed commitment to global collaboration. It addresses key gaps exposed by past pandemics and lays the groundwork for more equitable responses in the future.
Implementation And Future Outlook
As focus shifts to implementation, countries must now align domestic laws and infrastructure with treaty provisions. The pharmaceutical industry continues to advocate for intellectual property safeguards to ensure sustained innovation and investment.
US Position On Treaty
The United States did not participate in the final negotiations, following a decision under former President Trump to exit WHO. With the withdrawal set to take effect in 2026, the U.S. will not be obligated to comply with the treaty’s terms.
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