Geneva [Switzerland], May 20 (HBTV): Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) have voted in favour of a resolution calling for the adoption of a global agreement to prevent and respond to future pandemics. The resolution will be formally discussed by the full plenary of the World Health Assembly on May 20, followed by a high-level segment featuring statements from various Heads of State, according to a WHO press release.

The vote marks a key step in a negotiation process that began over three years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to create the world’s first binding international accord to address systemic weaknesses in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

In its official statement, the WHO said: ‘This watershed agreement was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. It aims to foster stronger collaboration and cooperation among countries, international organizations like WHO, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to prevent pandemics occurring in the first place, and to better respond in the event of a future pandemic crisis.’

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the member states, stating: ‘Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential.’

He added: ‘I congratulate WHO’s Member States for resolving to come together in the aftermath of COVID-19 to better protect the world from future pandemics. Their work to develop this global accord will ensure countries work better, faster and more equitably together to prevent and respond to the next pandemic threat.’

The resolution outlines several follow-up actions, including initiating the drafting of an annex to the Pandemic Agreement to establish a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system. This process will be carried out by an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) and presented at the next World Health Assembly. Once adopted and ratified by 60 countries, the agreement will enter into force.

Member states also mandated the IGWG to begin establishing a Coordinating Financial Mechanism for pandemic preparedness and a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL). These mechanisms aim to ensure equitable, timely, and affordable access to health products during pandemic emergencies, especially for developing countries.

According to the WHO, under the PABS system, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the agreement will be required to make ‘rapid access targeting 20 per cent of their real-time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics’ available to WHO. Distribution will be based on public health need, with priority given to countries most at risk.

The Pandemic Agreement complements the International Health Regulations, which were amended during last year’s Assembly to improve global outbreak response protocols.

Dr Tedros expressed gratitude to the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), as well as WHO Secretariat members led by Dr Michael Ryan and Dr Jaouad Mahjour, for their efforts in drafting and facilitating the agreement.

He concluded: ‘An immensely talented, experienced and driven WHO team was assembled to support the vision of governments to develop this historic Pandemic Agreement. This group of individuals… deserve enormous credit and thanks from the international community for what they have done to help make the world safer for future generations.’

(ANI)