WHO is finalizing a new treaty that prepares for the next pandemic − but the US isn’t signing

The World Health Organization approved the first global pandemic agreement on March 20, 2025, after three years of negotiations prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States chose not to participate due to its plans to withdraw from the WHO. Health experts view the agreement as a significant milestone. The accord aims to enhance pandemic preparedness globally by improving disease surveillance, expanding healthcare workforces, strengthening regulatory systems, and investing in research and development. It also facilitates vaccine production and distribution, encourages collaboration among countries, and emphasizes sharing information on infectious diseases. The agreement will come into effect once a sufficient number of countries ratify it, a process that may take several years. The absence of the US in the agreement may have led to a more equitable treaty, benefiting developing countries seeking greater access to vaccines and treatments during pandemics. Moving forward, countries are encouraged to support the agreement, invest in global health initiatives, and strengthen international coordination to prevent future pandemics.