Overview

• The World Health Assembly formally approved the pandemic treaty on May 20, 2025, marking the culmination of nearly three years of negotiations.
• The treaty introduces the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system for rapid sharing of pathogen data and related health products like vaccines and treatments.
• Pharmaceutical companies participating in the agreement must reserve 20% of their pandemic-related production for the WHO, with 10% donated and the rest provided at affordable prices.
• The treaty adopts a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health to address pandemic risks comprehensively.
• An intergovernmental negotiating body will finalize operational mechanisms by May 2026, with the treaty entering into force upon ratification by 60 member states.