There’s a global pandemic treaty that’s signed — and in ‘limbo.’ What’s the holdup?

In May 2025, the World Health Organization adopted a pandemic agreement to improve global readiness for future health crises. However, progress has stalled as countries struggle to finalize key details, particularly around equitable access to data and resources like vaccines. The agreement aims to prevent the inequities seen during COVID-19, where wealthier nations secured vaccines quickly while poorer countries were left behind. The ongoing negotiations, primarily between wealthier and lower-income countries, focus on creating a system for sharing pathogen data and benefits. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged nations to resolve their differences swiftly, warning that delays could be costly when the next pandemic strikes. QUESTION: How might the lack of agreement on pandemic preparedness impact global health in the future?