First global pandemic agreement

In a move aimed at safeguarding global health, Member States of the World Health Organisation (WHO) have unanimously adopted the world's first Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly.

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The agreement seeks to boost international coordination and ensure equitable access to life-saving tools during future pandemics, while reaffirming respect for national sovereignty in public health decisions.

In a press release on Tuesday, the WHO said, "Member States of the World Health Organisation (WHO) today formally adopted by consensus the world's first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the 78th World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and driven by the goal of making the world safer from - and more equitable in response to - future pandemics."