Context:
WHO finalises landmark agreement on dealing with future pandemics.
WHO Pandemic Agreement:
- Objective – Strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
- Key Provisions –
- Pandemic Prevention and Surveillance: Conduct risk assessments of emerging pathogens.
- One Health Approach: Recognize the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
- Technology Transfer: Facilitate transparent licensing and knowledge sharing, especially for developing countries.
- Access and Benefit Sharing: Establish the WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System.
Existing Framework:
- International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) –
- Legal framework defining countries’ rights and obligations in handling public health emergencies.
- Covers trans-border public health risks (biological, chemical, radiological, etc.).
- Concerns and Challenges –
- Equity Issues: Capacity inequities between global North and South.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Lack of strong enforcement measures.
Source: HT
Previous Year Question
Among the following which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Syria and Jordan
(b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
(c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea
(d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam
Answer: (b)