WHO agreement to strengthen global health preparedness : report

The agreement seeks to improve vaccine distribution and knowledge sharing.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) draft Pandemic Agreement is expected to strengthen global health preparedness. However, challenges will remain, according to a BMI report.

The agreement seeks to improve vaccine distribution and knowledge sharing, particularly benefiting low- and middle-income countries in managing future pandemics.

One notable element of the agreement is Article 12, the WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System.

“This system aims to ensure faster data exchange, including pathogen information, to help expedite drug development during disease outbreaks,” BMI said.

However, whilst the agreement is legally binding, its effectiveness could be hindered by enforcement challenges, particularly in areas like technology sharing.

“Neither the WHO nor the United Nations has enforcement authority over the treaty, with the agreement specifically affirming national sovereignty in public health matters,” it added.

Notably, the absence of the US during negotiations and cuts to aid financing poses significant risks to the agreement’s success in strengthening pandemic preparedness efforts globally.