WHO Agrees to Historic Global Pandemic Treaty

World Health Organization (WHO) member countries have reached a consensus on a legally binding pandemic treaty aimed at improving global coordination and equity in response to future pandemics. The agreement, finalized after over three years of negotiations, includes provisions for rapid data sharing, equitable access to vaccines and treatments, and the creation of a global supply chain overview for critical medical supplies. A key feature is a 'pathogen access and benefit sharing' system, requiring pharmaceutical companies to allocate a portion of vaccines and therapeutics to the WHO for distribution, with at least 10% donated and the remainder provided affordably. Critics note the treaty falls short on mandatory technology transfers to developing nations, instead requiring that such transfers be mutually agreed upon. The United States and some other countries have opted out and will not be bound by the agreement, raising concerns about its universal impact. The treaty now awaits formal adoption at the upcoming World Health Assembly, and its effectiveness will depend on member states' commitment to implementation.