The World Health Organization's member countries have ratified a pivotal agreement aimed at improving global pandemic preparedness and response, particularly in light of COVID-19's widespread effects. The treaty, which emerged from three years of discussions, stipulates that countries sharing virus samples will receive critical medical supplies, with 20% earmarked for the WHO to support poorer nations. Despite its significance, the agreement faces challenges, particularly from the U.S. decision to abstain from the process after shifting its approach to the WHO under the previous administration. Premises remain on its enforceability since there are no penalties for noncompliance.
We - as sovereign states - have resolved to join hands, as one world together, so we can protect our children, elders, frontline health workers and all others from the next pandemic.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has touted the agreement as 'historic' and a sign of multilateralism at a time when many countries are putting national interests ahead of shared values and cooperation.
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