After more than three years of complex negotiations, countries around the world have reached a historic agreement on a new global pandemic accord, aimed at avoiding the mistakes that plagued the international response to Covid-19.
The agreement, finalised late last night at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, outlines how nations will share information, technology, and medical countermeasures in the event of future global health emergencies.
“Tonight marks a significant milestone in our shared journey towards a safer world,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The nations of the world made history in Geneva today.”
The 32-page document, hailed as a landmark in global health diplomacy, will now be submitted for formal adoption at the WHO’s annual assembly next month.
Key Features of the Accord
At the core of the agreement is a new Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System, designed to ensure the rapid sharing of data on emerging viruses and other health threats. This system will help pharmaceutical companies respond swiftly to outbreaks by accelerating the development of vaccines, tests, and treatments.
Another key component is the commitment to equitable access to pandemic-related technologies. Article 11 of the agreement — one of the most contentious points — calls for technology transfers to developing nations. While countries with strong pharmaceutical industries opposed mandatory transfers, negotiators settled on a compromise that requires such transfers to be “mutually agreed.”
This clause was instrumental in breaking the deadlock and securing consensus. “It’s adopted,” announced negotiations co-chair Anne-Claire Amprou, prompting a round of applause from weary delegates.
A Symbol of Global Unity
The agreement comes five years after Covid-19 claimed millions of lives and disrupted global economies. New threats, including H5N1 bird flu, measles outbreaks, mpox, and Ebola, have further underscored the urgent need for a coordinated international response system.
While the final stretch of talks was clouded by geopolitical tensions, including U.S. cuts to foreign aid and threats of pharmaceutical tariffs under President Donald Trump, countries managed to reach a deal.
Although the United States did not participate in the final phase of negotiations — having withdrawn from the talks earlier under Trump’s directive — its absence did not derail the process. Still, concerns about global cooperation in the face of protectionist policies remained.
“This agreement is a powerful reminder that the only way to combat pandemics is through unity,” said Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and co-chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response. “At a time when multilateralism is under threat, this is a vital win.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the celebrations, officials were quick to stress that the real challenge begins now: implementing the accord.
Eswatini’s representative urged continued vigilance, stating, “Whilst we celebrate this moment, we need not rest on our laurels. The real work begins now.”
Dr. Tedros echoed this sentiment, warning that future viruses may pose even greater dangers than war. “The cost of inaction is much bigger,” he said. “We must be ready.”
