A Historic Step for Global Health security

The World Health Assembly, the governing body of the World Health Association (WHO), has officially endorsed the first-ever global pandemic agreement, a landmark initiative designed to bolster international readiness and response to future pandemics [2]. This accord follows three years of intensive discussions prompted by the vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic [3].

The agreement aims to create a more coordinated and equitable global response to pandemics, addressing critical issues such as access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics. It seeks to ensure that the world is better prepared to prevent and respond to future health crises, learning from the challenges and inequalities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic [3].

Key Components of the Pandemic Agreement

This new agreement establishes vital principles, tools, and mechanisms to enhance international collaboration during health emergencies. A core focus is ensuring fair and timely access to essential medical resources, including vaccines, therapies, and diagnostic tools. The agreement also emphasizes respecting national sovereignty in health policies, a crucial point that emerged during negotiations.

Looking ahead, negotiations will commence to define a global system for sharing pathogens and the resulting benefits (PABS). This system aims to allocate at least 20% of global health tool production to countries based on risk and need, prioritizing developing nations. Moreover, the agreement envisions establishing a financial coordination mechanism and a global network for logistics and supply chains to address inequalities in accessing health products during emergencies.

The Vote and Notable Abstentions

During the commission vote preceding the formal adoption, 124 countries voted in favor of the agreement. Though, 11 countries abstained, including Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Iran, Israel, and Russia. Italy, in particular, emphasized the importance of national sovereignty in public health decisions as the reason for its abstention.

Once ratified by at least 60 countries, the pandemic agreement will officially come into effect, marking a significant milestone in global health governance.

WHO’s Outlook

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the agreement as a victory for global health.

The world is now safer thanks to the leadership, collaboration and commitment of our Member States in adopting this historical agreement. It is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action.
Tedros Adhanom ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

Political Fallout: Italy’s Abstention Sparks Controversy

Italy’s decision to abstain from the vote has drawn criticism from opposition parties within the country. Critics argue that this move isolates Italy and disregards the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health threats.

Chiara Braga, a group leader of the Democratic Party, expressed strong disapproval:

The choice of Italy to abstain on the world pandemic plan promoted by WHO is very serious. Once again the Meloni government decides to isolate the country to follow the denial and non -slip sirens. No lessons from covid,indeed a closure in the face of the reasons for science and the need to coordinate strategies,resources and research on a global level.
Chiara Braga, Democratic Party

Andrea Quartini, a group leader from the 5 Star Movement, echoed these concerns:

I believe is extremely serious the decision of the Meloni government to refrain on the so -called ‘pandemic agreement’ of the WHO ‘, the document that speaks of prevention, preparation and response to future pandemic threats. After the sterile controversies on the possible escape of Italy from the World health Organization, our executive deploys himself in the same position as Russia, Iran and Israel and against the 124 countries that have approved the document
Andrea Quartini, 5 Star Movement

Senator Raffaella Paita of Italy Viva also voiced her disapproval:

The choice of italy to abstain on the agreement for the pandemic pact in the WHO assembly is senseless and embarrassing. Italy finds itself in a small minority of 11 countries, including Russia and Iran, on a fundamental text to ensure that what happened with Covid cannot be repeated. It is all the more serious as Italy was one of the countries most affected by the pandemic. Absurd.
Raffaella Paita, Italy viva

Reaffirming National Sovereignty

Despite the global scope of the agreement, it explicitly states that the WHO cannot impose specific measures such as lockdowns, mandatory vaccinations, or travel restrictions. This provision aims to reassure member states that national sovereignty in health policies will be respected.

Teodoro Herbosa, the president of this year’s assembly and secretary of Health of the Philippines, emphasized the importance of learning from the COVID-19 pandemic:

A unique chance to ensure that the lessons learned from Covid-19 are not wasted.
Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of Health of the philippines