US Rejects WHO Pandemic Pact: A Blow to Global Health Cooperation
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (World Health Organization - WHO, International Agreements), Health (Pandemic preparedness, Vaccines), Current Events.
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate; Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests; Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Key Highlights from the News
The United States rejected the pandemic agreement agreed upon by member states under the leadership of the World Health Organization (World Health Organization - WHO) to deal with future pandemics like COVID-19.
This legally binding pact was approved in Geneva in May.
The main objective of this agreement is to ensure equitable access to vaccines (vaccines), medicines, and testing kits worldwide when the next pandemic occurs.
According to this, manufacturers must set aside 20% of their products for WHO to make available to poor countries.
The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, stated that this agreement would not affect them as they had already begun steps to withdraw from the WHO.
The US alleged that this agreement gives WHO excessive power and focuses on political matters.
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