WHO pandemic agreement

The WHO Pandemic Agreement is designed to strengthen the early detection of dangerous pathogens as well as strengthening international cooperation in the prevention and management of pandemics. The text of the pandemic agreement was adopted by the Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly on 20 May 2025. This does not signify legally binding implications for the individual Member States or an automatic obligation to sign or implement the agreement.

The drafting of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is one of the key recommendations of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experience has shown that viruses can spread rapidly across national borders. The pandemic agreement therefore aims to strengthen international cooperation in pandemic prevention and response (e.g. research and development for pandemic related products, early recognition of dangerous pathogens). Closer international cooperation and better preparation by all countries will also serve to protect Switzerland and its population.

Current state of negotiation

The negotiation process for the pandemic agreement was concluded in April 2025. The text of the Pandemic Agreement was adopted by the WHO Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) on 20 May 2025. It is available in the six official languages of the United Nations. The Member States are to review the translations until end of July 2025.

Work on the Pandemic Agreement has not yet been finalised. Following the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement text by the 78th WHA, the next step will be to draw up an annex, which will form an integral part of the overall agreement. The annex defines a mechanism for Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS).

This mechanism is designed to provide a fair and functioning system ensuring rapid industry access to relevant pathogens and genetic sequence data in the event of a pandemic emergency. At the same time, fair benefit sharing (e.g. for access to vaccines or treatments) should be guaranteed for those countries that make these pathogens and genetic sequence data available.

The next steps for Switzerland

Adoption by the WHA does not signify legally binding implications for the individual Member States or an automatic obligation to sign or implement the agreement. The agreement will be submitted for signature when the annex on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism has been established, which will probably be in one to two years.

Once the pandemic agreement is opened for signature, Switzerland will decide on the basis of the final text whether it will accede to this agreement. If the outcome is in Switzerland’s interests, the Federal Council will present the agreement to parliament for approval.

Switzerland will continue to make independent decisions regarding its own health policy and measures going forward.