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GENEVA (November 12, 2024) — Negotiations for a landmark global accord on future pandemic preparedness will extend into 2025, as countries acknowledged that significant gaps remain in their discussions. The decision came after the World Health Organization (WHO) member states met on Monday, concluding that they were far from finalizing a deal this year.
The primary divide in the negotiations is between Western nations with large pharmaceutical industries and poorer countries that fear being sidelined in future pandemic responses. While the ongoing threat of health crises such as the resurgence of mpox, the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, and the spread of H5N1 bird flu has underscored the urgency of the discussions, key disagreements persist.
Anne-Claire Amprou, one of the co-chairs of the talks, confirmed the extension, noting that member states had agreed to continue negotiations into the new year with the goal of concluding the agreement by the next World Health Assembly in May 2025.
“We are moving in the right direction,” Amprou assured reporters during a press conference, although she acknowledged that much work remains. The agreement, which was first proposed in December 2021 in response to the devastation caused by COVID-19, seeks to establish a global framework for preventing, preparing for, and responding to future pandemics.
While many aspects of the accord are close to being agreed, critical issues remain unresolved. One of the most contentious points is the equitable sharing of pandemic-related resources, including vaccines, treatments, and access to pathogens with pandemic potential. Discussions are also stalled on surveillance mechanisms, technology transfer to poorer nations, and the fair distribution of pandemic-fighting tools.
Disagreements Over Equity and Access
The ongoing talks have brought to light significant disparities in priorities between wealthier nations and developing countries. The latter group is pushing for commitments that would ensure they are not left behind when the next health crisis strikes, particularly when it comes to vaccines and treatments. Developed nations, meanwhile, are wary of committing to broad-based distribution mechanisms before a pandemic has fully unfolded.
K.M. Gopakumar, a senior researcher with the Third World Network, emphasized the lack of clarity on how and when resources such as vaccines would be shared. He explained that richer nations are often only willing to donate supplies when a crisis is formally declared—leaving poorer countries in a precarious position during earlier stages of outbreaks.
“Developed countries are saying they will give only in the case of a pandemic, but not for, say, a public health emergency of international concern, or even a regular outbreak like Ebola. That is exactly what happened with mpox—only when it became a public health emergency were vaccines donated. That is too late,” Gopakumar said.
A Global Effort with Diverging Interests
The complex nature of the discussions is also underscored by the varying levels of commitment among countries. While some are keen to forge an agreement to ensure better preparedness and response, others remain cautious about the potential long-term implications of the accord.
Talks co-chair Precious Matsoso pointed out that despite the difficulties, there is hope for compromise. “All countries want to be better prepared,” she said, noting that progress has been made on some issues. “We are closer on some issues than we think. A clear opportunity exists for a middle ground,” she added.
However, the negotiations face additional challenges, including the looming return of Donald Trump to the US presidency in 2025, a figure who has been openly critical of the WHO in the past. His potential influence could further complicate the path to agreement.
Looking Ahead
The WHO talks, which began in February 2022, will continue with a final round of discussions scheduled for next month. The possibility of a special session in December will be revisited on December 6, as countries assess whether they can reach an agreement before May 2025.
Thiru Balasubramaniam, a Geneva representative for Knowledge Ecology International, highlighted that bridging the divide over pathogen sharing and surveillance is crucial for moving forward. “If member states can thread the needle on those two difficult pieces, the rest may follow,” he said.
As the negotiations stretch into the new year, the fear of a future pandemic that could be even more devastating than COVID-19 remains a central concern for all involved. The outcome of these talks will shape the global response to health crises for years to come.
