Overview

• After over three years of negotiations, WHO member states have agreed on a legally binding pandemic treaty to strengthen global prevention, preparedness, and response.
• The treaty establishes the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS) to ensure rapid data sharing and equitable distribution of vaccines and treatments.
• Key compromises include voluntary technology transfers under "mutually agreed" terms and a global supply chain to improve access to health products during pandemics.
• The United States, having withdrawn from the WHO under President Trump, did not participate in the negotiations and is not expected to sign the treaty.
• The finalized text will be presented for formal adoption at the World Health Assembly in May, while unresolved issues like sanctions language remain under discussion.