NEW YORK, October 14 — The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) of the Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR) on September 25, 2026. The declaration was considered during the second UNGA High-level Meeting on PPPR and subsequently referred to the full General Assembly for adoption. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the declaration provides a strong reaffirmation of global solidarity and commitment needed to protect future generations from the devastating impacts of pandemics.
He emphasized that the world has come a long way since the COVID-19 pandemic and urged countries to fulfill their commitments, particularly to finalize negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
Key Components of the Declaration
The PABS annex is a key component of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, and its conclusion is necessary for the agreement to be opened for signature, begin ratification, and enter into force as international law. The outcome of the PABS negotiations will be considered at the next World Health Assembly in May 2027 or earlier through a special session of the Assembly. The UNGA Political Declaration builds on research and coordination advances made since the COVID-19 pandemic, including the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
It calls for sustained investment and action to strengthen national, regional, and global capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to pandemic threats.
Community-Focused Approach
The declaration underscores the need for a holistic approach that treats pandemic preparedness as a health, development, economic, and security imperative requiring coordinated action across sectors. Key priorities outlined in the declaration include enhancing monitoring systems, investing in national capacities, implementing the amended International Health Regulations (2005), empowering communities, ensuring timely access to pathogens and equitable benefit-sharing, expanding local and regional manufacturing and research and development capacity, and securing sustainable financing. The declaration aims to bolster international cooperation, resulting in greater solidarity and equity in global health security.
WHO, as the United Nations’ agency for health, connects nations, partners, and people in more than 150 locations, leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing root causes of health issues, and expanding access to medicines and health care.
Looking Forward
The theme of World Health Day 2026, “Together for health. Stand with science,” marked a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide. As communities across Asia and the globe continue to build on these foundations, the focus remains on practical measures that will protect families closer to home while strengthening the global health architecture for future generations.
