WHO Adopts First-Ever Global Pandemic Treaty

In a landmark development, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the world’s first global pandemic treaty during its annual World Health Assembly in Geneva on May 20, 2025. The agreement, passed by a vote of 124 in favor, none against, and 11 abstentions, aims to create a more equitable and coordinated global health response to future pandemics. The absence of the United States — a former WHO member — raises concerns about implementation and funding.

Why in News?

On May 20, 2025, WHO member states voted to adopt the first global pandemic treaty. It comes after three years of negotiations since the devastating impact of COVID-19. The treaty marks a major milestone in global health governance, even as the United States remains absent, having withdrawn from WHO earlier in 2025.

Aim and Objectives

• Ensure equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.
• Strengthen international coordination and global health infrastructure.
• Promote One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and plant health.
• Establish a system for pathogen access and benefit sharing.
• Encourage geographically diverse R&D and local manufacturing.
• Facilitate technology and knowledge transfer.

Key Highlights

• Voting Outcome: 124 countries supported the treaty; 11 abstained; none opposed.
• No External Control: The treaty respects national sovereignty — WHO cannot mandate lockdowns or vaccination rules.
• Financial Mechanism: A new fund will support pandemic response preparedness globally.
• Equity Focus: Responds to COVID-era inequality, where richer countries hoarded medical resources.

Controversial Issues Addressed

• Intellectual Property Rights
• Pathogen sharing
• Sovereignty vs. global coordination

Background

• The idea was mooted during the second special session of the World Health Assembly in December 2021, following the second COVID wave.
• Drafting was led by the Intergovernmental Negotiation Body (INB) over 13 rounds of meetings.
• The final draft was completed in April 2025.

Significance

• Ensures the world is better prepared for future pandemics.
• Demonstrates the power of multilateral collaboration in global crises.
• Highlights a shift from reactive to proactive health policy at the global level.
• The treaty is a public health victory, addressing global inequity in healthcare.