WHO Pandemic Agreement Adopted — First Global Pandemic Preparedness Treaty

After three years of negotiations, the World Health Assembly adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement on May 20, 2025 — the first legally binding international instrument on pandemic preparedness and response since the 2005 International Health Regulations. The agreement establishes frameworks for pathogen sharing, equitable access to medical countermeasures, and coordinated early warning systems. However, negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) mechanism remained unresolved, with implementation working groups continuing through 2026. The agreement requires ratification by at least 60 parties to enter into force.