Global pandemic accord adopted by WHO amid U.S. absence
The World Health Organization has taken a significant step towards improving global preparedness for future pandemics with the adoption of a new agreement. However, the absence of the United States from the treaty has raised doubts about its effectiveness.
The legally binding pact, which was approved by WHO member countries after three years of negotiations, aims to enhance readiness for future health crises such as pandemics. The agreement received applause from member countries, with WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailing it as a victory for public health, science, and multilateral action.
One of the key provisions of the pact is to ensure global accessibility to drugs, therapeutics, and vaccines during pandemics. Participating manufacturers are required to allocate 20% of their medical supplies to the WHO to ensure that poorer countries have access to essential healthcare resources.
However, the absence of the United States from the discussions and subsequent adoption of the agreement has raised concerns about its effectiveness. The US, which was the largest financial supporter of the WHO, began the process of withdrawing from the agency under the Trump administration.
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the WHO in a video address, stating that the new agreement would perpetuate the dysfunction of the organization’s pandemic response. As a result, the US would not be bound by the pact, and member states would not face penalties for non-compliance.
The adoption of the agreement drew mixed reviews from health experts and member countries. While some praised it as a step towards global health equity, others expressed concerns about its implementation and effectiveness in future pandemics. The agreement will not come into effect until an annex on sharing pathogenic information is finalized, with negotiations expected to take up to two years.
Overall, the new pact represents a foundation for improving global pandemic preparedness, but there are still challenges to address in terms of finance, equitable access to medical resources, and understanding evolving risks. It is essential for member countries to work together to ensure that the agreement is effectively implemented to protect the world from future health crises.
