PH hails adoption of landmark WHO Pandemic Agreement
LANDMARK DEAL. The conclusion of discussions on the Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly in Switzerland on Tuesday (May 20, 2025). The agreement, the first of its kind, sets out approaches for international coordination on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. (Photo courtesy of WHO/Chris Black)
MANILA – The Philippine government on Tuesday welcomed the adoption of a historic United Nations accord that sets out approaches for international coordination on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
The Pandemic Agreement, the first of its kind, was adopted on Tuesday during the 78th World Health Assembly in Switzerland following three years of intensive negotiations launched due to gaps identified in national and global response to the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-2023)
“Starting during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, governments from all corners of the world acted with great purpose, dedication and urgency, and in doing so exercising their national sovereignty, to negotiate the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement that has been adopted today,” the Philippines’ Department of Health Secretary and World Health Assembly president Teodoro Herbosa said.
“Now that the Agreement has been brought to life, we must all act with the same urgency to implement its critical elements, including systems to ensure equitable access to life-saving pandemic-related health products.”
Herbosa said the accord allows countries to build on lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the future generation is better protected if a future pandemic emerges.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the adoption represents a “historic milestone for multilateralism and a reaffirmation of the collective resolve of the international community to strengthen global cooperation in health.”
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Manila played a constructive role in the negotiations when it served as co-facilitator for several articles, helping coordinate the Group for Equity composed of more than 30 member-states, and consistently advocating for fairness, inclusiveness, and the interests of developing countries in pandemic preparedness, prevention and response.
The Philippines also championed key provisions to promote and protect the rights of healthcare workers.
Among the key elements of the accord are commitments relating to pandemic prevention and surveillance, Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing (PABS), access to pandemic-related health products, technology transfer, and research and development.
The work of WHO member-states will continue through the Intergovernmental Working Group to finalize the Annex on PABS.
Should the Assembly adopt the PABS annex next year, the Pandemic Agreement will then be open for signature and consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies.
The agreement will enter into force after 60 ratifications.
The Philippines will continue contributing to this process and ensuring the development of a “fair and effective agreement” that will enhance global health security and promote health for all, the DFA said.
The WHO said pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will make available to the organization “rapid access targeting 20 percent of their real time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.”
The distribution of the products would be based on public health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries.
The adoption of the Pandemic Agreement followed its approval by member-state delegations on May 19, with 124 in favor, zero objections and 11 abstentions. (PNA)
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