World Pandemic Treaty

Source: CNN

Context: After over three years of negotiations, WHO Member States finalised the draft World Pandemic Treaty to boost global pandemic preparedness.

About World Pandemic Treaty:

• What it is? A legally binding international instrument aimed at strengthening global response to future pandemics.

• A legally binding international instrument aimed at strengthening global response to future pandemics.

• Developed by: Negotiated by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), constituted under WHO in December 2021.

• Aim: To improve pandemic prevention, preparedness, and equitable response, using a One Health approach involving human, animal, and environmental health.

• Key Features: Establishes pathogen access and benefit-sharing systems. Strengthens global supply chains and logistics for health emergencies. Promotes technology and knowledge transfer for vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Mobilises skilled global health workforce and supports geographically balanced R&D capacities. Respects national sovereignty — does not allow WHO to mandate lockdowns, travel bans, or vaccines.

• Establishes pathogen access and benefit-sharing systems.

• Strengthens global supply chains and logistics for health emergencies.

• Promotes technology and knowledge transfer for vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

• Mobilises skilled global health workforce and supports geographically balanced R&D capacities.

• Respects national sovereignty — does not allow WHO to mandate lockdowns, travel bans, or vaccines.

About the World Health Organization (WHO):

• Established in: 1948, as a specialized agency of the United Nations focusing on international public health.

• Headquarters: Based in Geneva, Switzerland.

• Core Objectives:

• Promote universal health coverage.

• Combat disease outbreaks, ensure health security, and advance public well-being.

• Support countries in policy development, emergency preparedness, and health system strengthening.

• Governance Structure:

• World Health Assembly (WHA): Highest decision-making body; meets annually.

• Secretariat: Executes WHA’s decisions under the Director-General.

• Regional Offices: Six regional offices coordinate implementation (e.g., South-East Asia, Africa).

• Funding Mechanism:

• Assessed contributions: Mandatory membership dues.

• Voluntary contributions: Additional funding from countries, UN bodies, private sector, and philanthropies.