WHO members agree on landmark pandemic preparedness deal
WHO member countries have approved a historic agreement on preparedness for future pandemics. The document regulates access to vaccines and tests, as well as the transfer of pharmaceutical technology.
Key information
- WHO approved an agreement regarding the fight against future pandemics.
- The document includes rules for access to vaccines and technology transfer.
- The agreement is to be reviewed at the next WHO Assembly in May.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the approval of an agreement aimed at preparing the world for future pandemics. This document, considered historic, sets out the principles for access to vaccines and tests and the transfer of technology in the pharmaceutical industry.
The agreement introduces a system designed to ensure better access to vaccines and tests worldwide. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, emphasized that this is a step toward a safer world.
Virus is the worst enemy. (It) could be worse than a war, noted the head of WHO, as quoted by the France24.
Technology transfer and global cooperation
One of the key points of the agreement is the transfer of technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, wealthy countries monopolized the market, making vaccine access difficult for poorer regions. The new rules aim to change this, although technology transfer will occur on a "mutually agreed" basis. There are also plans to establish a global supply chain and logistics network, which aim to increase the availability of these products.
The agreement is to be reviewed at the next WHO Assembly in May. Negotiations lasted three years, and in recent weeks the United States did not participate in them. This decision was the result of the earlier withdrawal of the USA from WHO.
The WHO agreement is an important step toward better preparedness for future pandemics. Its effectiveness will depend on implementation and international cooperation.
