International: Draft Pandemic Agreement finalized

On 16 April 2025 in Geneva, countries reached consensus on a draft pandemic treaty designed to enhance pandemic preparedness and response. This landmark agreement, the result of more than three years of negotiation under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO), will be presented to the World Health Assembly in May for potential adoption. The draft sets out a comprehensive framework to boost international cooperation, promote equity, and increase resilience against future health crises. Central to the agreement are commitments to the “One Health” approach, the reinforcement of national health systems, the establishment of a coordinated funding mechanism, and the development of a globally integrated supply and logistics network for health emergencies. It also includes measures to support technology transfer, capacity building, and the formation of a highly trained, multidisciplinary health emergency workforce at both national and global levels.