Key Points of International Pandemic Agreement Under Review

Countries have been engaged in negotiations for over three years concerning a new international agreement aimed at improving responses to future pandemics. The objective of this agreement is to ensure better preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly in light of the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The draft agreement, currently under discussion at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, emphasizes the principles of equity, solidarity, and transparency to rectify the stark inequities observed in the global handling of the previous pandemic. A critical aspect of the agreement is to respect the sovereign rights of nations while facilitating collaboration.

At the heart of the agreement is the proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), which aims to promote the swift exchange of pathogen data with pharmaceutical companies. This system is designed to expedite the development of products to combat pandemics. However, negotiations around this point have proven challenging, particularly for developing nations that express concerns about sharing pathogens and data without guaranteed access to resulting vaccines and treatments.

The PABS system proposes that countries commit to quickly sharing information on emerging pathogens, with assurances that any health products derived from this collaboration will be distributed equitably. A contentious issue remains whether pharmaceutical companies should be obligated to allocate a specific percentage of their production during pandemic emergencies. While some nations producing these products are hesitant about strict requirements, the latest draft suggests a target of 20% of pandemic-related health products for the WHO, with at least 10% being donated.

Technology transfer has also emerged as a significant sticking point. The negotiations have focused on how to effectively transfer the necessary technology and expertise for producing pandemic-related health products, particularly to developing countries. Rather than mandating transfers, the current draft leans towards utilizing incentives and favorable conditions to encourage such exchanges.

In terms of prevention and surveillance, the draft outlines that countries should enhance their capabilities for pandemic preparedness. This includes implementing comprehensive national plans that address routine vaccinations, biological risk management in laboratories, combating antimicrobial resistance, and controlling zoonotic diseases.

Moreover, the draft calls for sustainable local production of pandemic-related health products, emphasizing the need for equitable distribution and timely access to vaccines and treatments. To address logistical challenges exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network is proposed to facilitate timely and affordable access to pandemic-related products, prioritizing distribution based on public health needs.

The structure and operational guidelines for this network will be established in its initial meetings, further defining how countries will collaborate to ensure equitable access during health emergencies.