The first pandemic agreement was adopted on May 20, 2025, following a vote by member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO), with 124 in favor, none opposed, and 11 abstaining. The Intergovernmental Negotiation Body was set up in December 2021 to create the draft agreement.

The agreement establishes key principles for enhanced international collaboration during pandemics. It aims to reinforce the global health infrastructure to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to future health emergencies.

A major focus is on equitable and timely access to essential medical tools such as diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments. The treaty addresses disparities seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where wealthier nations had an excess supply of vaccines while many faced shortages.

The agreement tackles key issues such as intellectual property and pathogen sharing, establishing a benefit-sharing system and promoting stronger pandemic preparedness through the One Health approach.

It seeks to build globally distributed research and development and manufacturing capacity, ensuring fair access to health tools, unlike during COVID-19, when production was limited to a few countries.

National sovereignty is preserved as the WHO has no authority to override domestic laws or impose specific pandemic measures.