WHO Members Approve New Global Pandemic Preparedness Steps

WHO member countries have approved new measures to enhance pandemic preparedness and response. Amendments to the International Health Regulations will define a 'pandemic emergency' and aid developing nations in accessing financing and medical supplies. The assembly also aims to finalize a pandemic treaty by year's end.

On Saturday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that its member countries approved significant new steps to bolster global preparedness for and response to pandemics such as COVID-19 and mpox. The resolution involves amending the International Health Regulations, first adopted in 2005, to include defining a 'pandemic emergency' and improving access to financing and medical products for developing countries.

This development came as the UN agency concluded its six-day World Health Assembly for the year. Initial plans to adopt a broader pandemic treaty were postponed due to disagreements over technology sharing and pathogen access between developing and wealthy countries.

Nonetheless, member states committed to finalizing negotiations on this pandemic accord within the year, according to the WHO. Public health expert Lawrence Gostin praised the effort as a 'big win for health security,' stating it will streamline future pandemic agreement talks. WHO also clarified that a pandemic emergency is now defined as a disease with 'wide geographical spread' and the potential to overwhelm national health systems, causing substantial economic or social disruption and requiring swift global action. Yuanqiong Hu, a senior advisor from Doctors Without Borders, highlighted the importance of provisions for equitable access to health products during international health crises.