Pandemic Treaty: WHO-Provided Lesson in How Not to Prevent Future Pandemics

The World Health Assembly, meeting this week in Geneva, Switzerland, thought it would be unveiling a new pandemic treaty for members to approve. Instead, negotiations stalled over fundamental disagreements involving intellectual-property rights, privileged access to pandemic-related materials such as vaccines, and World Health Organization control over pandemic-related materials.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus characterized this as a tragic missed opportunity. In truth, it’s a welcome opportunity for resetting a process that veered badly off track.

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About the Author

Steven Groves

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About the Author

Brett Schaefer

Brett Schaefer is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute focusing on the United Nations and international organizations.

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The World Health Assembly, meeting this week in Geneva, Switzerland, thought it would be unveiling a new pandemic treaty for members to approve. Instead, negotiations stalled over fundamental disagreements involving intellectual-property rights, privileged access to pandemic-related materials such as vaccines, and World Health Organization control over pandemic-related materials.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus characterized this as a tragic missed opportunity. In truth, it’s a welcome opportunity for resetting a process that veered badly off track.