Why in News? 

Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) formally adopted by consensus the world's first Pandemic Agreement.  

First Pandemic Agreement 

• The legally binding agreement, adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly, aims to enhance global preparedness, response, and fairness in managing future pandemics. 
• Full implementation requires finalizing key mechanisms by May 2026 and ratification by at least 60 countries to come into force. 
• It is the second international legal agreement under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, following the 2003 Tobacco Control Convention. 
• The agreement marks a significant milestone in global health governance and pandemic resilience. 
• Its objective is to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response based on equity, solidarity, transparency, scientific evidence, and respect for countries’ sovereignty.  

 About World Health Organisation (WHO) 

• The World Health Organisation (WHO), founded in 1948. 
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland  
• It is a United Nations specialised agency that unites countries, partners, and people to promote health, ensure safety, and help vulnerable populations.  
• Its goal is to enable everyone, everywhere to achieve the highest possible health standards. 

Key Objectives of WHO: 

• Lead global efforts to achieve universal health coverage. 
• Focus on disease prevention, control, elimination, and promoting overall health and well-being. 
• Provide leadership on health issues, set public health standards, and offer technical support to countries. 
• Collaborate with UN agencies, governments, civil society, and the private sector.