GENEVA (AP) 鈥� The World Health Organization's member countries on Tuesday approved an in the wake of the devastation wrought by the coronavirus.
Sustained applause echoed in a Geneva hall hosting the WHO鈥檚 annual assembly as the measure 鈥� debated and devised over three years 鈥� passed without opposition.
The treaty guarantees that countries which share virus samples will receive tests, medicines and vaccines. Up to 20% of such products would be given to the WHO to ensure poorer countries have some access to them when the next pandemic hits.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has touted the agreement as 鈥渉istoric鈥� and a sign of multilateralism at a time when many countries are putting national interests ahead of shared values and cooperation.
Dr. Esperance Luvindao, Namibia鈥檚 health minister and the chair of a committee that paved the way for Tuesday鈥檚 adoption, said that the COVID-19 pandemic inflicted huge costs 鈥渙n lives, livelihoods and economies.鈥�
"We 鈥� as sovereign states 鈥� have resolved to join hands, as one world together, so we can protect our children, elders, frontline health workers and all others from the next pandemic," Luvindao added. "It is our duty and responsibility to humanity.鈥�
The treaty鈥檚 effectiveness will face doubts because the United States 鈥� which poured billions into speedy work by pharmaceutical companies to develop COVID-19 vaccines 鈥� is sitting out, and because countries face no penalties if they ignore it, a common issue in international law.
The U.S., traditionally the top donor to the U.N. health agency, was not part of the final stages of the agreement process after the and funding to the agency in January.
Jamey Keaten, The Associated Press
