WHO Reaches Draft Pandemic Treaty, U.S. Excluded

World Health Organization (WHO) member states have reached a draft agreement on a legally binding pandemic treaty aimed at improving preparedness and response to future pandemics. The treaty requires manufacturers to allocate up to 20% of pandemic-related products—split between donations and affordable pricing—to ensure poorer countries have access. It emphasizes rapid sharing of data and pathogens, equitable access to medical resources, and includes a 'One Health' approach addressing human, animal, and environmental health. The agreement also establishes a global supply chain overview for critical medical equipment. The United States withdrew from final negotiations under President Trump and will not be bound by the agreement. The treaty will be voted on at the upcoming World Health Assembly and, if adopted, will become only the second legally binding international accord in WHO’s history.