Humanising the WHO Pandemic Agreement: A Rights-Based Framework for Equitable Implementation
1
Health Sciences Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
2
Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
3
School of Law, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3368
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The WHO Pandemic Agreement (PA), adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in 2025, offers a landmark opportunity to embed the right to health across pandemic prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (PPRR). Yet, without a robust human rights-based approach (HRBA), the implementation risks perpetuating global inequities—particularly for low-income countries and marginalised populations. The PA’s pledge-based design and limited enforcement mechanisms underscore the necessity of operationalising equity, non-discrimination, participation, and accountability in the global health architecture.
METHODS:
This conceptual analysis maps PA articles (3–18) to corresponding human rights principles (e.g., right to health, right to development, participation), examining their normative alignment with international rights law (ICESCR, UDHR). It critically assesses the PA negotiation process (2022–2025) and governance architecture, including the Pandemic Conference of the Parties (COP) under Article 19, and identifies gaps in accountability and equitable access to countermeasures, technology transfer, financing, and community engagement.
RESULTS:
The mapping reveals that while the PA explicitly endorses principles such as equity and solidarity, operational gaps remain in translating these commitments into enforceable implementation pathways. Key articles (e.g., 10–12, 15–18) show potential to advance equitable access to medical technologies and participatory engagement, but risk weakening without HRBA integration. Embedding human rights norms through international (CESCR, Special Procedures), regional (e.g., African Charter), and national mechanisms can enhance accountability, strengthen compliance oversight, and safeguard marginalized groups.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adopting a HRBA transforms the PA from a technical treaty into a rights-driven model of global cooperation, advancing equitable, inclusive, and accountable PPRR. Anchoring implementation in human rights principles helps align pandemic governance with global commitments to equity and justice, fostering legitimacy, solidarity and sustainable health security worldwide.
The WHO Pandemic Agreement (PA), adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in 2025, offers a landmark opportunity to embed the right to health across pandemic prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (PPRR). Yet, without a robust human rights-based approach (HRBA), the implementation risks perpetuating global inequities—particularly for low-income countries and marginalised populations. The PA’s pledge-based design and limited enforcement mechanisms underscore the necessity of operationalising equity, non-discrimination, participation, and accountability in the global health architecture.
METHODS:
This conceptual analysis maps PA articles (3–18) to corresponding human rights principles (e.g., right to health, right to development, participation), examining their normative alignment with international rights law (ICESCR, UDHR). It critically assesses the PA negotiation process (2022–2025) and governance architecture, including the Pandemic Conference of the Parties (COP) under Article 19, and identifies gaps in accountability and equitable access to countermeasures, technology transfer, financing, and community engagement.
RESULTS:
The mapping reveals that while the PA explicitly endorses principles such as equity and solidarity, operational gaps remain in translating these commitments into enforceable implementation pathways. Key articles (e.g., 10–12, 15–18) show potential to advance equitable access to medical technologies and participatory engagement, but risk weakening without HRBA integration. Embedding human rights norms through international (CESCR, Special Procedures), regional (e.g., African Charter), and national mechanisms can enhance accountability, strengthen compliance oversight, and safeguard marginalized groups.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adopting a HRBA transforms the PA from a technical treaty into a rights-driven model of global cooperation, advancing equitable, inclusive, and accountable PPRR. Anchoring implementation in human rights principles helps align pandemic governance with global commitments to equity and justice, fostering legitimacy, solidarity and sustainable health security worldwide.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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