Global Cooperation for Health Security
The 's member countries unanimously approved a treaty aimed at preventing and responding to future pandemics, highlighting a commitment to global health security and equitable access to medical resources.
The agreement, which took three years to negotiate, ensures that countries sharing virus samples will receive tests, medicines, and vaccines, with up to 20% of these products allocated to the WHO for distribution, especially to poorer nations.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite the historic nature of the treaty, its effectiveness is questioned due to the absence of the United States and the lack of penalties for non-compliance, alongside the need for ratification and detailed negotiations on pathogen sharing and access to developments.
The agreement emphasizes a " Health approach" and the importance of strengthening health systems and vaccine coverage, with future discussions expected to finalize the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system by 2026.