There's a global pandemic treaty that's signed -- and in 'limbo.' What's the holdup?

The World Health Organization's pandemic agreement, negotiated and signed by member states, has not yet entered into force because it lacks the required number of ratifications from signatory nations. The treaty requires a specified threshold of countries to formally ratify it through their domestic legislative processes before it becomes binding. As of early 2026, the ratification process remained incomplete, with various countries at different stages of domestic approval. The agreement addresses pandemic preparedness, response mechanisms, and equitable access to medical countermeasures.

Next story