Statement from IAVI on the adoption of the historic Pandemic Accord

IAVI welcomes news that the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Accord was adopted by UN member states today in Geneva during the 78^th World Health Assembly. The treaty sets forth conditions for strengthening global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR) following COVID-19.

The WHO’s second-ever legally binding instrument aims to address persistent barriers to equitable distribution of medical countermeasures (MCMs) during health emergencies. Notably, Article 9 of the treaty calls for sustained investment in and support of global research and development (R&D) partnerships, including public-private partnerships, that prioritize equity, from the research bench to product allocation. This includes the strengthening and centering of institutions in low-income countries with high disease burdens.

“The adoption of this landmark treaty represents a significant advancement for outbreak preparedness during a time of multifaceted challenges to global public health,” said Swati Gupta, DrPH, MPH, IAVI, vice president and head of emerging infectious diseases and epidemiology. “This is also the first time an international health instrument has prioritized support of global public-private R&D partnerships, which are increasingly contributing to outbreak responses in significant ways. IAVI and our partners are grateful to WHO member states for taking this critical step forward for global preparedness.”

Following their adoption of the treaty this month, WHO member states must further negotiate the terms of the Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS mechanism outlines conditions critical to ensure access to pathogen samples, sequence data, and potential benefits – including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

Read the WHO official statement for more information.