A 'pandemic agreement' to prepare for the re-emergence of infectious diseases like the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was officially adopted on the 20th (local time).
According to Reuters, member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) unanimously agreed to adopt a legally binding pandemic agreement during the annual assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland.
In the vote on the 19th, 125 countries voted in favor, and there were no opposing countries. However, 10 countries, including Poland, Israel, Italy, Russia, Slovakia, and Iran, abstained. Subsequently, on the 20th, the chairperson sought to finalize the agreement by asking all member representatives if there were any objections, and no country raised an objection, leading to the adoption of the agreement.
This agreement includes provisions for coordinating the procurement of protective equipment during a global outbreak of infectious diseases and strengthening surveillance systems for diseases affecting both humans and animals.
In particular, it aims to ensure access to pharmaceuticals, treatments, and vaccines to combat pandemics, regardless of location.
Previously, during the COVID-19 pandemic, advanced countries such as the U.S. and Europe exhibited behaviors of hoarding or excessively stockpiling vaccines and essential medications, while regions like Africa and Southeast Asia faced difficulties in securing supplies.
According to this agreement, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the agreement will allocate 20% of the vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic kits they produce to the WHO during a pandemic to help citizens of impoverished nations receive treatment.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, noted, "This agreement is a victory for public health, science, and multilateral action," adding, "Through this, we can better protect the world collectively from future pandemic threats."
However, there are concerns about the agreement's effectiveness, as it did not clarify the means of sanctioning violations of the agreement. Additionally, the U.S. is in the process of withdrawing from the WHO under an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump.
The U.S. has been responsible for one-fifth of the WHO's budget and donated 34% of the emergency funds raised by the WHO over the past two years. The U.S. notified the WHO of its withdrawal in January of this year. According to the rule that requires a written notice one year in advance for withdrawal, it will formally withdraw on January 22 next year.