Pandemic Agreement

Context

1. After the Covid-19 Pandemic, major weaknesses were exposed in global health governance like poor preparedness, unequal access to vaccines and weak coordination between countries.
2. So, the countries decided to negotiate a global framework to manage future pandemics more effectively and the Pandemic Agreement was proposed.
3. Pandemic Agreement: It is a proposed legally binding international treaty designed to strengthen global cooperation for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
4. Aim: To strengthen pandemic prevention & preparedness, ensure equitable access to health tools (like vaccines), promote international cooperation & address global health inequalities.
5. The proposal for agreement was adopted in 2025 during the 78th World Health Assembly, but its detailed operational rules remain under negotiation & are expected to be finalized by May 2026.
6. Recently, an important meeting is scheduled in Geneva regarding the agreement.

Q1. How will the agreement come into force?

The implementation process involves four stages:

1. Negotiation – An intergovernmental working group finalizes details such as the PABS system.
2. Adoption – The final agreement is adopted by the World Health Assembly.
3. Ratification – Countries must approve the agreement through their domestic legal processes.
4. Entry into Force – The treaty becomes operational after at least 60 countries ratify it, and 30 days after the 60th ratification.

Q2. What is the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system?

1. A central component of agreement is the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system.
2. During disease outbreaks, countries will share pathogen samples and genetic sequencing data to support rapid research, vaccine development and medical innovation.
3. In return, benefits derived from these resources must be shared globally, especially with developing countries.

Q3. What is the role of the Group of Equity?

1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines and medical supplies were concentrated in developed countries, leaving many developing nations with limited access.
2. The Group of Equity, which includes India & several developing countries, has been formed to demand fair benefit-sharing structures in return for sharing pathogen samples & genetic data.

Q4. What are the 3 key demands of the Group of Equity?

1. Vaccine and Product Sharing: If pharmaceutical companies develop vaccines or treatments using shared pathogen data, 10% of production should be donated to WHO. This stockpile would be used to support developing countries during health emergencies.
2. Affordable Access: During global health emergencies, vaccines and medicines should be available to developing countries at affordable prices.
3. Non-Exclusive Licensing: Pharmaceutical companies should provide non-exclusive licenses to manufacturers in developing countries during emergencies. This would allow local production of vaccines and medicines, improving accessibility.

Q5. What is the position of developed countries?

1. Some developed countries, including the European Union, have accepted the idea of 10% vaccine donations.
2. However, they argue that such commitments should remain voluntary, and they should not be legally binding on pharmaceutical companies.
3. Developing countries, including India, insist that these obligations must be legally enforceable.

Q6. What is the World Health Assembly (WHA)?

1. The World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the WHO.
2. Key features: It includes delegates from all WHO member states. The assembly meets annually in Geneva.
3. Major functions: Formulates WHO policies, approves the WHO budget, reviews global health programmes, appoints the WHO Director-General and adopts international agreements under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution.

Conclusion

The proposed Pandemic Agreement seeks to create a fair and coordinated global framework for managing future pandemics, ensuring equitable access to health resources and stronger international cooperation during health emergencies.