UN Adopts Pandemic Preparedness Declaration After Vote

The United Nations General Assembly voted to adopt a Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response. It passed with 153 countries in favor during a plenary meeting in New York. Only three nations voted against it, while two chose to abstain from the decision.

The new declaration guides countries to better respond to pandemics in the future. It states that pandemic readiness depends on resilient health services and universal health coverage. Leaders also agreed to strengthen local capacity to make vaccines and treatments during emergencies.

A civil society alliance described the adoption as a marker of multilateral commitment to safety. However, they noted the text contains few concrete or time-bound commitments. The document highlights an estimated $15 billion annual gap in pandemic preparedness financing. The European Union questioned if this funding figure is still current but agreed on better financial tracking.

Some nations objected to language about sexual and reproductive health care services. The United States and Iran found common cause by opposing these references during the debate. The declaration commits to mainstream gender equality and access to care by 2030 but avoids terms like reproductive rights.

The US and New Zealand expressed concerns about references to the International Health Regulations. They worried the text might commit states to international agreements they have not joined. This raised issues about national policy boundaries and sovereign decision-making on health.

Member states are negotiating a system for sharing pathogens and genetic data in Geneva. Namibia supported rapid sharing alongside fair access to benefits from the research. However, some nations worried this could impede cooperation during active outbreaks or violate intellectual property rules.

The declaration commits countries to report on progress at the 2028 UN General Assembly. World Health Organization leaders urged states to finalize negotiations on a pathogen annex by May. Independent panel chairs warned that delays will increase collective risks from future outbreaks.