Overview

• The WHO's Pandemic Agreement, finalized after three years of negotiations, received committee approval, with formal adoption expected on May 20.
• The treaty aims to improve global coordination, equitable vaccine access, and pandemic surveillance to prevent a repeat of COVID-19 response failures.
• The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and funding cuts by several Western nations have left the organization with a $1.7 billion budget shortfall for 2026–27.
• WHO has reduced its budget by 22%, implemented leadership restructuring, and proposed a 20% increase in mandatory member contributions to address financial challenges.
• Funding cuts have disrupted health services in at least 70 countries, leaving millions without essential medical care and forcing the closure of facilities.