WHO Pandemic Treaty Proposal Finalised

The World Health Organization (WHO) has finalized the proposal for a Pandemic Treaty, a landmark global agreement aimed at bolstering pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Drafted by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), the proposal is set to be presented at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) on May 19, 2025. This agreement emerges after extensive negotiations, aiming to promote cooperation while respecting national sovereignty and enabling an equitable, rapid response to future global health crises.

Key Highlights

Formation & Purpose

• Proposal finalized by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), created in Dec 2021.
• Aim: To create a binding international instrument under the WHO Constitution.
• Objective: To strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR).

Timeline of Negotiations

• 13 formal rounds of negotiations held (9 of which were extended).
• Additional informal and intersessional discussions conducted.
• Final text to be considered at the 78th World Health Assembly on May 19, 2025.

Major Provisions in the Draft Text

• Creation of a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS).
• Adoption of the One Health Approach: links human, animal, and environmental health.
• Promotion of geographically diverse R&D capacities for equitable innovation.
• Facilitation of technology transfer, skills, and knowledge-sharing.
• Establishment of a skilled, multidisciplinary health emergency workforce.
• Setup of a global supply chain and logistics network for health products.
• Creation of a coordinated financial mechanism to support pandemic response.
• Strengthening of preparedness, health system resilience, and readiness.

National Sovereignty Safeguarded

• The treaty respects national public health sovereignty.

WHO will not be given authority to,

• Impose or dictate national laws/policies.
• Mandate travel bans, lockdowns, vaccinations, or therapeutics.
• Ensures voluntary implementation respecting domestic jurisdiction.

Statements from WHO

• Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO DG: Called it a “generational accord” and proof that “multilateralism is alive and well”.
• Emphasized unity, foresight, and shared global responsibility in public health.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	WHO Pandemic Treaty Proposal Finalised
Event	WHO members finalize Pandemic Treaty proposal
Presented at	78th World Health Assembly, 19 May 2025
Drafted by	Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB)
Purpose	Strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness & response
Major Features	PABS system, One Health, global R&D, supply chains, skilled workforce
Sovereignty Clause	WHO will not dictate national policies or impose mandates
Financial Mechanism	Coordinated funding strategy for health emergencies
Tech Transfer	Support for sharing technology, skills, and expertise
Global Collaboration	Seen as a milestone for multilateral action