World Health Organization Warns of Unpreparedness for Future Pandemics Due to Lack of Global Agreement
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concerns over the global community's lack of preparedness for future pandemics. This warning comes as countries have failed to finalize a global pandemic treaty, which aims to establish a system for sharing information on pathogens and ensuring access to vaccines, tests, and treatments. The treaty, initially proposed in 2021, has been delayed due to mistrust between richer and poorer nations and disinformation on social media. The WHO's Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, co-chaired by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Helen Clark, highlighted the need for a 'pathogen access and benefit sharing' (Pabs) system before the treaty can be enforced. The panel had recommended such an agreement five years ago, noting that millions of lives could have been saved with a more coordinated response to COVID-19. 
