Finalising the WHO Pandemic Agreement for a safer future

In December, 2021, all 194 Member States of WHO decided to establish the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response under WHO's constitution.1 The aim of such an agreement is to enhance global preparedness for future COVID-19-like pandemics and mitigate the risk of similar catastrophic consequences.

 

More than 3 years have passed, and the INB is still engaging in negotiations to reach full consensus. Misinformation and disinformation about the process and the proposed agreement remain a major concern. Contrary to some claims, a country becoming party to the WHO Pandemic Agreement would not cede national sovereignty, as clearly spelt out in Article 24 of the draft text.2 Member States would retain the authority to determine the actions necessary within their own legal frameworks and be empowered to make informed decisions while ensuring collective action in times of crisis.