India joined other World Health Organisation member states in jointly adopting the global pandemic treaty at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. The pact aims to address the shortcomings exposed by COVID-19.
Addressing the gathering, via videoconferencing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, an integrated vision, and collaboration.” He also emphasised that this year’s theme of the World Health Assembly, ‘One World for Health’, aligns with India’s vision for global health.
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“The WHO Pandemic Treaty is a shared commitment to fighting future pandemics through greater global cooperation,” PM Modi said, adding that India is willing to share its lessons and best practices with the world, especially with the Global South.
As per the WHO pandemic agreement, all member nations will have access to drugs, therapeutics, and vaccines in the event of a future pandemic. The pact requires participating manufacturers to allocate a target of 20% of their vaccines, medicines, and tests to the WHO during a pandemic to ensure poorer countries have access.
“The agreement is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action. It will ensure we, collectively, can better protect the world from future pandemic threats,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Slovakia called for a vote on Monday, leading to the agreement. One hundred and twenty-four countries voted in favour, no countries voted against, while 11 countries, including Poland, Israel, Italy, Russia, Slovakia and Iran, abstained.
Only the finalisation of an additional annexe, focussing on the sharing of pathogen-related data, will bring the agreement to full effect. According to the WHO, negotiations on this critical component will begin in July, with the goal of presenting it for adoption at a future World Health Assembly.
During the session, PM Modi also highlighted India’s health reforms, ranging from Ayushman Bharat to the increased role of technology in improving health outcomes. Emphasising India’s role as the birthplace of Yoga, the prime minister also invited all countries for the upcoming 11th International Day of Yoga in June.
