Global Pandemic Treaty Nears Completion After Preliminary Agreement

Countries have reached an accord in principle on a legally binding treaty to bolster pandemic preparedness, with unresolved issues on technology transfers and sanctions still under negotiation.

• Delegates announced a preliminary agreement on the global pandemic treaty, pending final approval from national capitals and the WHO assembly next month.
• The treaty aims to strengthen global tools for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, addressing gaps exposed during COVID-19.
• Key unresolved issues include mandatory versus voluntary technology transfers (Article 11) and language on sanctions impacting access to health products (Article 13).
• The draft treaty proposes a global supply chain network to ensure equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and tests during pandemics or humanitarian crises.
• Negotiations, extended by a year due to disagreements, are seen as a critical step toward addressing global health equity and future pandemic threats.

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