This photograph shows a sign of the World Health Organization (WHO) displayed at their headquarters in Geneva on March 13, 2025.

In a remarkable achievement, years of intricate negotiations culminated early on Wednesday, as representatives from various nations reached an agreement on a landmark accord designed to better prepare for and manage future pandemics. This agreement aims to ensure that the grave mistakes made during the Covid-19 crisis are not repeated.

After an exhaustive three years of discussions, which included a final, intense negotiation session that stretched into the early hours, weary delegates at the WHO headquarters celebrated a significant victory as the clock approached 2:00 AM (0000 GMT) on Wednesday.

Tonight marks a significant milestone in our shared journey towards a safer world, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizing the importance of this new accord. The nations of the world made history in Geneva today.

The urgency of these negotiations was underscored by the memory of the Covid-19 pandemic, which tragically led to millions of deaths and left economies in shambles. As new health threats emerge, including H5N1 bird flu, measles, mpox, and Ebola, the need for a fortified global health response has never been more pressing.

However, the final stages of deliberation were not without challenges. The discussions were overshadowed by concerns related to cuts in U.S. foreign aid and potential tariffs on pharmaceuticals, which loomed large over the proceedings.

During the final hours of negotiation, lingering disagreements still existed, particularly around Article 11 of the agreement. This section focuses on the transfer of technology necessary for producing pandemic health products, especially to developing countries. In past crises, poorer nations accused wealthier countries of hoarding vital vaccines and tests, emphasizing the need for a more equitable distribution of resources.

Countries with robust pharmaceutical industries resisted the notion of mandatory technology transfers, arguing that such actions should be voluntary. Nonetheless, a compromise was reached, allowing for technology transfers as long as they were mutually agreed upon.

At the heart of the new agreement is a proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), which is intended to facilitate the swift sharing of pathogen data with pharmaceutical companies. This system aims to expedite the development of crucial pandemic-fighting products, ensuring that nations are better prepared to respond to future health crises.

Ultimately, the 32-page agreement was marked in green, symbolizing its full approval by the member states of the WHO. Its adopted, declared negotiations co-chair Anne-Claire Amprou, drawing thunderous applause from delegates gathered in the room.

In drafting this historic agreement, the countries of the world have demonstrated their shared commitment to preventing and protecting everyone, everywhere, from future pandemic threats, Amprou added, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind this endeavor.

The finalized text of the agreement is set to be presented for formal approval at the WHO's annual assembly scheduled for next month.

As the intense negotiations drew to a close, Tedros joined the proceedings and expressed optimism about the current draft, describing it as balanced. He asserted that the resulting deal would promote greater equity in health responses worldwide. While he acknowledged that coordinating pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response could impose financial burdens, he stressed that the cost of inaction is much bigger.

A virus is the worst enemy. It could be worse than a war, he remarked, underscoring the critical need for global cooperation in health matters.

The absence of the United States during these pivotal negotiations was noted, especially given President Donald Trump's past actions that had plunged the global health system into uncertainty. Trump's administration had ordered a withdrawal from the WHO and halted participation in pandemic agreement discussions shortly after taking office in January. His threats of imposing steep tariffs on pharmaceutical products further complicated the negotiations, creating a climate of apprehension among manufacturers and governments alike.

Nevertheless, a consensus was ultimately achieved, with many viewing the approval of this text as a triumph for global collaboration. At a time when multilateralism is under threat, WHO member states have united to declare that we will confront the next pandemic threat only through collective action, remarked former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who co-chairs the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

As celebrations continued into the early morning hours, a representative from Eswatini aptly noted, Whilst we celebrate this moment, we need not rest on our laurels. The real work begins now.

(Source: FRANCE 24 with AFP)