The WHO is close to finalising a global pandemic treaty.
After days of round-the-clock negotiations, World Health Organization member states have nearly completed a draft accord to improve global cooperation on future health emergencies.
Talks in Geneva were extended after countries failed to resolve issues around technology sharing and benefit access.
“The #PandemicAccord negotiations are still ongoing – the Member States have agreed to resume on Tuesday, after working through the night without any sleep for more than 24h non-stop,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on X. “We’re very grateful for their commitment.”
The 32-page draft includes provisions to expand early detection, strengthen health systems, and promote equitable access to vaccines and treatments.
A key part of the treaty is a commitment to the One Health approach – a coordinated strategy recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Lawrence Gostin, director of the O’Neill Institute at Georgetown, said: “INB will end Tuesday ‘with several pieces to resolve’. Negotiators will clarify positions w/ their capitals… but I’m optimistic the Pandemic Treaty has a path to adoption in May.”
The US withdrew from negotiations last week, after President Donald Trump issued an executive order ending WHO membership on his first day back in office.
