Australia has welcomed the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement—a landmark move to improve global readiness for future health emergencies.
Developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agreement promotes international cooperation on pandemic prevention, surveillance, and vaccine access. Australia played a key role as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, representing the Western Pacific region.
Although adopted by the World Health Assembly, technical details are still being finalised. Australia’s formal treaty-making process will not begin until the agreement opens for signature, expected in mid-2026.
The Agreement will not override Australia’s public health sovereignty, but once in force, it aims to better equip nations to save lives and protect economies from future pandemic threats.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Agreement highlights the importance of working together on global health: “We need international cooperation on health to help keep Australia, our region, and the world safe.”
Health Minister Mark Butler added, “The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when.”
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