The effects of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic are still felt. About seven million people died, health systems were overwhelmed and the global economy was practically driven to standstill.
Global turmoil led a stunned international community to pursue an agreement with the purpose of preventing such a disastrous event from happening again – and ensuring that the world is far better prepared in the future.
The landmarked decision was made at the World Health Assembly, the annual meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although the formal adoption was Tuesday, WHO’s Member States approved overwhelming Aglandet on Monday (124 votes in favor, 0 objections, 11 neither consumption).
This meant that Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, as Director -General, felt only able to express “cautious optimism”), the adoption of consensus had a festive feeling.
“The deal is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action“Declared Tedros.” It will ensure that we can collectively protect the world from future pandemic threats.
“It is also a recognition from the international community that Our citizens, societies and economies may not be left vulnerable to suffer again loss like those who were endured under Covid-19. ”
Who Member States approved the first pandemic agreement on May 19, 2025 ever
‘Once-in-a-lifetime Opportunity’
The pandemic just laid gross inequalities between and within countries when it came to diagnosis, treatments and vaccines, and a core purpose of the agreement is to connect holes and treat any future pandemics in a more just and more effective way.
“Now that the agreement has been brought to life, we must all trade with the same urgent character to complete Its critical elements including systems to ensure fair access to life -saving pandemic -related health products“Announced Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, secretary of the Filipino Department of Health, and President of this year’s World Health Assembly, which prescribed the adoption of the agreement.
“When Covid was an emergency that was once in a lifetime, the WHO pandemic agreement offers an opportunity to build on experience from this crisis once in a lifetime and ensure that people around the world are better protected if a future pandemic emerges.”
The question of national sovereignty has been raised several times during the process of negotiating the agreement, A reflection of fake online claims that who somehow is trying to demand control away from individual countries.
Accord has pain to point out that this is not the case that says nothing contained in it gives whom any authority to change or disrupt national laws, or force nations to take measures, such as banning travelers, imposing vaccinations, or implementing lockdowns.
Who Member States approved the first pandemic agreement on May 19, 2025 ever
Next step
The adoption has been hailed as a groundbreaking step, but this is just the beginning of the process.
The next step is to put the agreement into practice by launching a launch of a process to draft and negotiate a pathogen access and distribution sharing system (PABS) through an intergovernmental working group.
The result of this process will be considered at next year’s World Health Assembly.
When the Assembly adopts the PABS line, the agreement will then be open to the signature and consideration of ratification, including by national regulatory bodies. After 60 ratifications, it takes effect.
Other provisions include a new economic mechanism for pandemic prevention, readiness and response and creation of a global supply chain and logistics network to “Improve, light and work to remove barriers and secure fair, timely, fast, secure and affordable access to pandemic -related health products to countries in distress under public health of international concerns, including pandemic emergencies and for the prevention of such emergencies. “
