The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a significant milestone in global health diplomacy, as its member states have successfully reached a landmark agreement aimed at improving preparedness and response to future pandemics. This breakthrough comes after more than three years of intensive negotiations, indicating a collective commitment to better health security worldwide.

According to the WHO, the draft agreement, which was finalized after over 13 formal negotiation rounds, will be presented for consideration at the upcoming World Health Assembly scheduled for May. This assembly will be a pivotal moment where member states will have the opportunity to review and potentially adopt the agreement to ensure a coordinated response to global health crises.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his enthusiasm for this historic development, stating that member nations have proven that multilateralism is alive and well. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among countries, highlighting that it is possible to find common ground even amidst diverse interests. Tedros remarked, We look forward to the World Health Assemblys consideration of the agreement and we hope its adoption.

The impetus for this agreement traces back to 2021, when WHO member states recognized the urgent need for a coordinated global approach to tackle the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was not only to manage the current crisis but to prepare for potential future health emergencies more effectively.

It is important to note that the United States did not participate in the concluding rounds of negotiations. This absence stems from a decision made by former President Donald Trump, who, in February, issued an executive order to withdraw U.S. membership from the WHO. This decision was controversial, as the U.S. has historically played a significant role in global health governance.

Prior attempts to reach an agreement had encountered obstacles, including disagreements centered on intellectual property rights and equitable access to vaccines, which had delayed progress beyond the initial deadline set for May 2024.

The newly reached agreement encompasses several critical commitments, including enhancing technology and knowledge-sharing among nations, mobilizing a multidisciplinary global health emergency workforce, and establishing a pathogen access and benefit sharing system. These provisions aim to foster a collaborative environment where countries can share critical resources and information during health crises.

Precious Matsoso from South Africa, one of the six ambassadors instrumental in leading these negotiations, articulated the profound significance of this agreement. She stated that it would serve to increase equity and protect future generations from the suffering and losses we suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matsoso acknowledged that the negotiation process was often challenging and drawn-out but noted that the collective understanding of the global nature of pandemics propelled their efforts forward.

Viruses do not respect borders, Matsoso affirmed, reinforcing the idea that global health security is fundamentally interconnected. She stressed that no one is truly safe until everyone is safe, underscoring the necessity for a united front in addressing health threats.