The European Commission has reaffirmed its support for the United Nations declaration on pandemic preparedness while retaining objections to parts of the text. In a statement published on 16 October, it said the EU and its member states backed the resolution adopted on 12 October but had dissociated themselves from some provisions. The disputed issues include technology transfer and financing, subjects that also feature in India’s position on future pandemic cooperation.
The declaration was adopted after countries considered it at a high-level UN meeting on 25 September and referred it to the General Assembly. WHO’s 12 October account says it calls for sustained investment in national, regional and global capacity to prevent, detect and respond to pandemic threats. Its agenda includes stronger monitoring, local and regional manufacturing, research capacity and sustainable financing. It also calls for implementing the amended International Health Regulations and ensuring equitable benefits from access to pathogens.
The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, known as PMNCH, reported that the declaration passed by 153 votes to three, with two abstentions. Its 13 October assessment describes the declaration as non-binding. The partnership welcomed its treatment of gender equality and sexual and reproductive health as part of preparedness. It highlighted the commitment to universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, by 2030. That places continuity of everyday health services within the international discussion of emergencies, alongside the capacity to detect and respond to a new disease threat.
EU reservations on technology and funding
The EU’s explanation of its vote on 12 October, delivered by Ireland’s permanent mission to the UN, sets out the reservations in more detail. It said technology transfer should take place voluntarily and on mutually agreed terms. It also said references to the World Trade Organization’s Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health should be comprehensive and consistent with that text.
On money, the EU objected to the declaration’s stated financing-gap estimate, saying it was no longer current, and sought a more balanced treatment of complementary international financing. It also regretted omissions including the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence and a global financial tracker. Its statement welcomed provisions on vaccination, science-based communication and the One Health approach.
India’s position and the next negotiation
India had set out its own priorities before adoption. Speaking at the 25 September UN meeting, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said the credibility of the WHO Pandemic Agreement would depend on a fair Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system, or PABS. The Health Ministry’s report, published on 26 September, says India sought timely access to vaccines, diagnostics, treatments, technologies and other benefits for countries contributing pathogens and biological resources, with respect for national sovereignty.
Srivastava also said the political declaration should not prejudge the continuing PABS negotiations and should be implemented in line with national circumstances and capacities. India called for digital public infrastructure to be recognised as a global public good, citing its role during COVID-19 in surveillance, vaccination, supply chains and continuity of services. The ministry’s account also records India’s view that preparedness should be rooted in domestic health systems and financing, with international assistance complementing national responsibility.
The next substantive step identified by WHO is completion of negotiations on the PABS annex. Its October account says the outcome will be considered at the World Health Assembly in May 2027, or earlier at a special session. Completing that annex is needed so the Pandemic Agreement can open for signature and proceed through ratification towards entry into force. Adoption of the UN political declaration therefore does not mean that those treaty steps have already been completed. The timetable remains tied to negotiations and subsequent decisions.
PMNCH said it would work with partners, including national coalitions in ten African countries, to support implementation and keep the health of women, children and adolescents visible in pandemic planning. Its response places the emphasis on what governments do after the vote. The declaration’s political support now has to be translated into national programmes and sustained services.
Related Dalimss News coverage includes the National Health Authority’s secure health-data environment and Gurugram’s primary-care service work order.
