DFA Statement on the Adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement
GENEVA 20 May 2025 – The Philippines welcomes the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and extends its sincere congratulations to Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO), the WHO Secretariat, and all relevant stakeholders for their active and constructive engagement throughout three and a half years of negotiations.
The Philippines takes great pride in the adoption of this landmark agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly, which is being presided over by the Department of Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.
The adoption of the Pandemic Agreement represents a historic milestone for multilateralism and a reaffirmation of the collective resolve of the international community to strengthen global cooperation in health.
The Philippines played a constructive and bridge-building role in the negotiations, serving as co-facilitator for several articles, helping coordinate the Group for Equity composed of more than 30 Member States, and consistently advocating for fairness, inclusiveness, and the interests of developing countries in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response. The Philippines also championed key provisions aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of health and care workers, who remain at the forefront of effective pandemic response.
Among the key elements of the Agreement are commitments relating to pandemic prevention and surveillance, Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing (PABS), access to pandemic-related health products, technology transfer, and research and development.
The work of WHO Member States will continue through the Intergovernmental Working Group to finalize the Annex on PABS before the Agreement is opened for signatures. The Philippines reaffirms its steadfast commitment to contributing to this process and ensuring the development of a fair and effective agreement that will enhance global health security and promote health for all. END