The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on every part of the world. Millions died from the disease, health systems and economies were upended, tens of millions were pushed into extreme poverty, and the most vulnerable populations everywhere bore the brunt. Making matters worse, countries competed against each other in a zero-sum race for access to vaccines, tests, treatments, and medical equipment, while others faced travel bans and stigma.
It didn’t have to be this way.
Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, Global Citizens took action together demanding equity — and now we must act to make sure the world never suffers through a pandemic like this again.
At the height of the pandemic in 2021, countries began negotiations towards a new global pandemic agreement to establish rules of conduct and promote cooperation against future pandemic disease threats. While important progress has been made, key points of disagreement remain — for example, on establishing a process to ensure countries are encouraged to share infectious disease data as soon as it's available, knowing they will also benefit from tools, such as vaccines, developed by others using that data.
Sign the petition encouraging all countries to finish the job and reach an ambitious pandemic agreement, for a safer, healthier world for all.
More about the negotiations for a Pandemic Agreement:
This is an historic opportunity to protect future generations from a repeat of the suffering and loss the world experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is designed to strengthen collaboration and coordination across sectors and ensure all people, including youth, healthcare professionals, community members, patients and all other members of society are protected, and prepared for future pandemics.
It is being negotiated by Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) based on principles of solidarity, equity, science and evidence, respect for human rights and protection of national sovereignty over all health decision-making.
It is an initiative started, led and decided by governments of the world, ensuring solidarity and sovereignty. The final phase of negotiations is now underway.
It is not led, nor is it a power grab by, the WHO against the sovereignty of countries around the world. Governments are negotiating and will decide what is contained in the agreement.