WHO PANDEMIC Deal Sparks Global Fears: What’s Really at Stake?
— The World Health Organization just adopted its first-ever global Pandemic Agreement. Leaders from 194 countries met in Geneva to sign off on the deal after three years of talks, most of it behind closed doors. WHO chief Dr. Tedros called for “global solidarity,” but many worry this is a push for more control from unelected health officials.
The agreement sets up a new Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system, or PABS, to track and share information about outbreaks faster. Supporters claim it will help stop future pandemics before they start. Critics warn it could give the WHO too much power over national health decisions.
Other topics on the table include funding for the WHO, fighting drug-resistant bacteria, polio eradication efforts, climate change impacts on health, and how much money will be spent through 2027. India was praised for wiping out trachoma as a public health threat.
Dr. Teodoro Javier Herbosa from the Philippines was chosen as Assembly President this year. The event is being streamed by Reuters as delegates debate rules that could change how countries handle future emergencies — whether they want to or not.
