Why in News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the world’s first global pandemic agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly (May 2025), invoking Article 19 of its Constitution—marking a historic global health milestone.
WHO Pandemic Agreement – Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | 20th May 2025 |
| Legal Basis | Article 19 of WHO Constitution; Second such treaty after 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control |
| Objective | Ensure equitable global access to pandemic-related resources; institutionalise coordinated pandemic preparedness and response |
| Ratification Requirement | Will become legally binding after ratification by 60 countries |
| Trigger | Vaccine hoarding during COVID-19; Omicron wave exposed global inequality |
Key Provisions of the Agreement
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Pathogen Access & Sharing | Pharma firms must share 10% of pandemic products with WHO (free) + 10% at affordable rates |
| Tech Transfer | Member states must promote local production through sharing of technology and know-how |
| Financial Mechanism & GSCL | A new Coordinating Financial Mechanism + Global Supply Chain and Logistics (GSCL) network created |
| Research Access | Publicly funded research must ensure fair global access; governments can intervene if affordability becomes an issue |
| Sovereignty Protected | WHO cannot impose travel bans, vaccine mandates, or lockdowns; national governments retain full autonomy in decision-making |
Key Concerns
| Issue | Challenge |
|---|---|
| Limited WHO Authority | No power to enforce national mandates; may limit effectiveness during global crises |
| Intellectual Property Rights | Tension between pharma’s demand for IP protection and developing nations’ demand for equitable access |
| Unclear PABS System | Final benefit-sharing model for pathogens still under negotiation (to be finalized at 2026 WHA) |
| US Exit from WHO | Weakens treaty impact; US pharma firms are not bound by data-sharing or equitable supply provisions |
India’s Role
| Domain | India’s Contribution |
|---|---|
| Equity Advocacy | Pushed for equitable access for LMICs and vaccine nationalism safeguards |
| IPR Flexibility & Tech Transfer | Along with South Africa, led global call for IPR waivers at WTO during COVID-19; supports flexible IP norms |
| Health System Resilience | Advocates global investment in workforce training and public health infrastructure |
Prelims Practice MCQs
- Consider the following statements regarding the WHO Pandemic Agreement:
- It is the first treaty adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution.
- It mandates WHO to override national laws during public health emergencies.
- It requires pharmaceutical companies to share 20% of pandemic-related products with WHO.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 3 and 1 only
Answer: D
- The Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL), recently in the news, is associated with:
A. Global military logistics cooperation under NATO
B. Equitable vaccine distribution under WHO pandemic treaty
C. India’s digital goods export network
D. G20-backed infrastructure development program
Answer: B - With reference to industrial trans fats, consider the following statements:
- WHO recommends complete elimination of trans fats from national food supplies.
- India banned the use of partially hydrogenated oils in all food products by 2022.
- WHO’s REPLACE framework targets global elimination by 2035.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Mains Practice Question
The WHO Pandemic Agreement 2025 is being seen as a landmark step towards global health equity, but its enforceability and implementation remain contentious.
Critically examine the key provisions of the Agreement and India’s role in shaping global pandemic governance. Also suggest measures to strengthen compliance and effectiveness of such global treaties.
