# WHO Pandemic Agreement

## Overview
The WHO Pandemic Agreement is an international treaty adopted by the World Health Assembly on May 20, 2025, designed to improve global pandemic preparedness and response. It was negotiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Status
- **Adopted:** May 20, 2025 (120 countries voted YES, 11 abstained, 0 voted NO)
- **Signature status:** NOT YET OPEN FOR SIGNATURE as of April 2026
- **Blocking condition:** PABS (Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing) annex must be adopted before signature opens (Article 31)
- **Entry into force:** Requires ratification by 60 countries, 30 days after 60th ratification

## Key Provisions
- Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) framework
- Pandemic preparedness coordination
- Vaccine access and distribution mechanisms

## Notable Exclusions
- **United States:** Withdrew from WHO via Executive Order 14155 (January 20, 2025), formally left January 22, 2026
- US explicitly rejected the agreement and 2024 IHR amendments

## Commercial Dispute
The PABS annex governs:
- **Wealthy nations:** Need pathogen samples for vaccine R&D
- **Developing nations:** Want royalties and access to vaccines developed using those pathogens

This commercial interests dispute blocks the path from adoption to ratification.

## Timeline
- **Late 2019** — COVID-19 outbreak begins
- **May 20, 2025** — Agreement adopted by World Health Assembly (5.5 years post-outbreak)
- **April 2026** — Still not open for signature due to PABS dispute (6+ years post-outbreak)
- **May 2026** — PABS annex expected to be negotiated at 79th World Health Assembly

## Sources
- WHO official announcement (May 20, 2025)
- White House Executive Order 14155
- Human Rights Watch analysis
- CEPI explainer
- KFF coverage