WHO members adopt ‘pandemic agreement’ born out of disjointed covid response

The treaty guarantees that countries which share virus samples will receive tests, medicines and vaccines. Picture: Rogelio V Solis/AP

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) member countries have approved an agreement to better prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics in the wake of the devastation caused by the coronavirus.

Sustained applause echoed in a hall in Geneva, Switzerland, hosting the WHO’s annual assembly as the measure – debated and devised over three years – passed without opposition.