WHO Members Reach Historic Agreement in Principle on Pandemic Treaty

After three years of negotiations, the treaty aims to strengthen global health security, with final ratification set for May despite unresolved disputes over technology sharing.

The World Health Organization's 194 member states have reached an agreement in principle on a legally binding pandemic treaty after marathon negotiations lasting three years.
The treaty focuses on improving global pandemic preparedness, including provisions for equitable sharing of life-saving technologies like vaccines and therapeutics.
Disputes remain over whether technology transfers should be mandatory or voluntary, with wealthy nations favoring voluntary terms and developing countries advocating for stronger commitments.
The finalized treaty will be presented for ratification at the World Health Assembly in Geneva at the end of May, marking the next critical step in its adoption.
The United States, under an executive order by President Donald Trump, withdrew from the WHO earlier this year, leaving it absent from the treaty negotiations.