Representatives of the World Health Organization have reached an agreement aimed at enhancing preparedness for future pandemics, a response to the fragmented global handling of Covid-19. However, the lack of participation from the US raises questions about the treaty’s efficacy.
After three years of discussions, the legally binding agreement was formally adopted by the World Health Assembly in Geneva, eliciting applause from WHO member states.
This pact is seen as a significant achievement for the global health organization, especially as it faces severe funding cuts from the US.
“The agreement represents a triumph for public health, scientific collaboration, and international cooperation. It will enable us to better shield the world from upcoming pandemic risks,” stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The agreement mandates that participating manufacturers designate 20% of their vaccines, medicines, and tests to the WHO during a pandemic to ensure equitable access for less affluent nations.
Nevertheless, US negotiators withdrew from discussions concerning the accord following President Donald Trump’s decision to initiate a 12-month withdrawal process from the WHO, the largest financial supporter of the agency, upon taking office in January.
Consequently, the US—having invested billions in vaccine development during the Covid crisis—will not be obligated by the agreement. Furthermore, WHO member states will not face penalties for failing to implement it.
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the WHO, labeling it as “moribund.”
“I urge global health ministers and the WHO to heed our withdrawal as a wake-up call,” he stated in a video posted on Fox News.
“We have already begun discussions with like-minded nations and encourage others to join us,” he added.
Slovakia’s Call for a Vote
The agreement was finalized following a call for a vote by Slovakia, where the Covid-19 vaccine-skeptical prime minister insisted that his nation challenge the ratification of the treaty.
A total of 124 countries voted in favor, with no votes against, while 11 countries—including Poland, Israel, Italy, Russia, Slovakia, and Iran—abstained.
Some health experts hailed the treaty as a move towards greater equity in global health after poorer countries experienced shortages of vaccines and diagnostic tools during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It incorporates vital provisions, particularly regarding research and development, that—if executed—could lead to a more equitable global pandemic response,” remarked Michelle Childs, Policy Advocacy Director at the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative.
Others argued that the agreement fell short of initial expectations and that without robust implementation frameworks, it may be inadequate during future pandemics.
“It is an empty shell… It is hard to assert that it is a treaty with binding obligations where a strong commitment exists… It serves as a good starting point, but it will need further development,” stated Gian Luca Burci, an academic advisor at the Global Health Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute, an independent research and educational body.
The pact will not take effect until an annex concerning the sharing of pathogenic information is finalized.
Negotiations on this matter will commence in July, with the goal of presenting the annex to the World Health Assembly for approval, according to the WHO.
A Western diplomatic source indicated that it may take up to two years to reach an agreement.
