Source: CNN
Context: After over three years of negotiations, WHO Member States finalised the draft World Pandemic Treaty to boost global pandemic preparedness.
About World Pandemic Treaty:
- What it is?
- A legally binding international instrument aimed at strengthening global response to future pandemics.
- Developed by: Negotiated by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), constituted under WHO in December 2021.
- Aim: To improve pandemic prevention, preparedness, and equitable response, using a One Health approach involving human, animal, and environmental health.
- Key Features:
- Establishes pathogen access and benefit-sharing systems.
- Strengthens global supply chains and logistics for health emergencies.
- Promotes technology and knowledge transfer for vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
- Mobilises skilled global health workforce and supports geographically balanced R&D capacities.
- Respects national sovereignty — does not allow WHO to mandate lockdowns, travel bans, or vaccines.
About the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Established in: 1948, as a specialized agency of the United Nations focusing on international public health.
- Headquarters: Based in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Core Objectives:
- Promote universal health coverage.
- Combat disease outbreaks, ensure health security, and advance public well-being.
- Support countries in policy development, emergency preparedness, and health system strengthening.
- Governance Structure:
- World Health Assembly (WHA): Highest decision-making body; meets annually.
- Secretariat: Executes WHA’s decisions under the Director-General.
- Regional Offices: Six regional offices coordinate implementation (e.g., South-East Asia, Africa).
- Funding Mechanism:
- Assessed contributions: Mandatory membership dues.
- Voluntary contributions: Additional funding from countries, UN bodies, private sector, and philanthropies.
