India has joined 123 nations in adopting the WHO Pandemic Treaty to enhance global pandemic preparedness and equitable healthcare access. The agreement emphasizes international cooperation, with India showcasing its health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and digital health tracking.

In a landmark step toward global health security, India joined 123 other countries in adopting the WHO Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. The treaty aims to bolster global preparedness and an equitable response to future pandemics.

Addressing the assembly, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to prioritize the vulnerable, especially in the Global South, and highlighted India's health initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat and Health and Wellness Centres. He noted a significant increase in government health spending and reduced out-of-pocket costs.

The treaty outlines principles for international cooperation, ensuring timely access to vaccines and diagnostics. Though widely supported, the treaty was adopted without the United States, which had earlier withdrawn its funding commitments to the WHO.

(Source:https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/india-adopts-pandemic-treaty-pm-says-world-health-depends-on-global-south-status/121292860 )