Patients Applaud Adoption of WHO Pandemic Agreement at WHA78
The World Patients Alliance (WPA) welcomes the historic adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement by Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly 2025 (WHA78). This landmark decision, reached after over three years of intensive negotiations, represents a critical step toward ensuring that the world is better prepared for future pandemics, with a focus on equity, solidarity, and patient-centered care.
A Victory for Patients Worldwide
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in global health systems, particularly in equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. The newly adopted Pandemic Agreement aims to address these disparities by enhancing international collaboration, ensuring timely sharing of information, and promoting fair distribution of medical resources during health emergencies.
For patients, this agreement signifies a commitment to learning from past shortcomings and prioritizing the needs of all individuals, regardless of geographic or economic status. It underscores the importance of placing patients at the centre of health emergency preparedness and response strategies.
Key Provisions Benefiting Patients
The Pandemic Agreement includes several provisions that directly impact patient care and safety:
• Equitable Access: Commitment to fair distribution of vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics during pandemics.
• Strengthened Health Systems: Support for building resilient health infrastructures that can withstand future health crises.
• Transparency and Information Sharing: Mechanisms to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information to the public.
Next Steps
While the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement is a significant milestone, its success depends on effective implementation. The WPA urges Member States to:
• Engage patients and civil society in the development and execution of national pandemic preparedness plans.
• Invest in health systems to ensure they are equipped to provide continuous and equitable care during emergencies.
• Maintain transparency and uphold commitments to equitable access to medical resources.
The WPA stands ready to collaborate with WHO, governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that the voices of patients are heard and that the principles of the Pandemic Agreement translate into tangible improvements in global health security.
