Urgent Call for International Pandemic Treaty Amid Deadly Outbreaks
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the critical need for finalizing an international treaty to manage pandemics, particularly in light of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has claimed thousands of lives.
Contentions Between Wealthy and Developing Nations
Rich nations and developing countries continue to face disagreements regarding the implementation of an agreement established last year, which serves as a framework for addressing future pandemics similar to COVID-19. As the ninth round of discussions commenced in Geneva on Monday, Ghebreyesus urged nations to “finish the job.”
Global Implications of Outbreaks
Highlighting recent occurrences of lethal disease outbreaks, Ghebreyesus reiterated that the completion of a pandemic treaty is fundamentally about safeguarding public health. He stated, “A pathogen threat anywhere can become a threat everywhere, to people of every country,” underscoring the interconnectedness of global health risks.
He referenced the hantavirus outbreak that resulted in three fatalities on a cruise ship earlier this year and the current Ebola epidemic, which has infected over 10,000 individuals and led to nearly 5,000 deaths, primarily in the DRC.
Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
According to Ghebreyesus, the COVID-19 pandemic imparted a vital lesson: “No country can protect itself from pandemics by acting alone.” This assertion highlights the necessity for cohesive international action to combat future health crises.
Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System
During the agreement discussions, countries agreed in May 2025 to a Pandemic Agreement, but crucial aspects regarding the operational mechanisms were left unresolved. One key component is the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, which addresses the equitable sharing of access to pathogens with pandemic potential and the benefits derived from them, such as vaccines and treatments.
Ghebreyesus remarked, “PABS is the last remaining piece of our puzzle,” indicating its significance in achieving an effective framework for pandemic response.
The Cost of Inequity
He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines were developed at an unprecedented pace. However, the distribution was uneven, leaving numerous countries with inadequate supplies while others hoarded excess doses. “That inequity cost lives, prolonged the pandemic, and increased the risk of new variants emerging,” Ghebreyesus noted.
Unlocking a Safer Future
Completing the final element of the pandemic treaty is crucial, according to Ghebreyesus, who asserted that this step is “the key that will unlock the door to a safer future.” The urgency of finalizing these discussions is more apparent than ever, with current outbreaks underscoring the need for cooperative global health strategies.
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