Published: 20 May  2025, 10:54 am

In a major step toward strengthening global health security, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially adopted a legally binding agreement aimed at preparing for future pandemics.

The landmark decision was made on Tuesday, May 20, at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, following three years of complex negotiations prompted by the devastating COVID-19 crisis, which claimed millions of lives between 2020 and 2022.

The adoption of the pact was met with applause from WHO member states, signalling a renewed commitment to collective action in global health governance. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the agreement as a “victory for public health, science and multilateralism,” emphasizing its role in building a more coordinated and resilient response to future health threats.

Although the agreement received overwhelming support—124 nations voted in favour—it did encounter last-minute resistance. Slovakia, led by a vaccine-sceptic prime minister, called for a vote in an attempt to halt the treaty. Despite this, the motion passed without any votes against. However, 11 countries, including Poland, Israel, Russia, Italy, Iran, and Slovakia, abstained from the vote.

The agreement sets out a framework for future global cooperation, covering areas such as disease surveillance, data sharing, and equitable access to vaccines and medical supplies during outbreaks.

As the world reflects on the painful lessons of COVID-19, this pact marks a critical turning point. It underscores a shared understanding that no single country can face global health crises alone—and that stronger international collaboration is key to preventing the next pandemic from becoming another global catastrophe.