Historic Global Treaty on Pandemics Adopted by Over 190 Nations
On Tuesday, more than 190 countries reached a significant milestone by adopting the first-ever global treaty on pandemics following three years of intense negotiations at the World Health Organization (WHO). This unprecedented international agreement seeks to enhance collaboration among nations and ensure a fair distribution of resources to confront future pandemics, which experts predict are likely to emerge sooner rather than later, potentially caused by a new pathogen.
The treaty sets forth essential guidelines focused on developing preparedness and response mechanisms for future pandemics at both national and international levels. It emphasizes principles of solidarity and reciprocity, although many middle and low-income nations feel their aspirations for more substantial commitments were not entirely realized.
During the final negotiations, which featured marathon sessions lasting up to 24 hours, some diplomats expressed concerns that many of the commitments in the agreement are voluntary. However, they acknowledged that the dilemma was accepting what was available or leaving the table empty-handed. This negotiation process was viewed as an opportunity to illustrate international unity at a time when the WHO is facing significant challenges, including the withdrawal of the United States and the substantial funding deficits it has incurred as a result.
The adopted treaty establishes a global supply chain and logistics network aimed at guaranteeing equitable and affordable access to essential products, medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies. These resources are crucial not only for addressing potential pandemics but also in humanitarian crises. The objective is to ensure transparency within this supply chain while managing international reserves more effectively. An important provision of the agreement discourages countries from excessively stockpiling critical products in anticipation of a pandemic.
Wealthy nations that hoarded vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, often amassing quantities far beyond their immediate needs, later faced the dilemma of having to destroy these excess stocks as they neared expiration, all while vaccines were languishing in poorer countries.
Additionally, the treaty introduces a new mechanism for equitable access to and participation in the benefits derived from shared pathogens under the WHO's management. A notable shift from past practices is that pharmaceutical companies which utilize these pathogens for the development of vaccines and treatments are now required to allocate 20% of their produced products to the WHO. This allocation includes half as a donation and the remainder offered at affordable prices, ensuring urgent needs in various regions are addressed.
Previously, many governments in developed nations invested heavily in the pharmaceutical industry to hasten vaccine development without securing assurances of return on their investment. The new treaty aims to prevent this from occurring again, stipulating that research and development funded by public finances should guarantee benefits for the wider public.
Michelle Childs, director of the NGO Initiative for Medicines for Neglected Diseases, emphasized that this agreement creates new grounds from which to build resilience ahead of the next global health crisis. "This means that when the next pandemic strikes and a costly treatment emerges, governments will have the capability to act in the interest of citizens worldwide," she noted.
While the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders acknowledged several positive aspects of the agreement, it called for swift implementation of the commitments made. They highlighted that true significance can only be derived from the agreement through decisive and responsible action by states. The treaty may not be perfect, but it represents a critical step forward in laying a foundation for saving lives during future health emergencies.
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