The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, spoke at talks in Geneva. He said recent deadly disease outbreaks show why countries must finish an international agreement. The agreement aims to help countries deal with future diseases like COVID-19.
Countries agreed on its main plan in May 2025. But rich countries and developing countries still disagree about how an important part will work. This part covers sharing samples of viruses and other causes of disease. It also covers fair access to vaccines, tests and treatments.
Tedros pointed to Ebola Bundibugyo, a virus now spreading in Africa. He also mentioned the continuing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and an earlier hantavirus outbreak. He said a disease in one place can threaten people everywhere.
During COVID-19, the world made vaccines very quickly. But some countries got much more than they needed, while others waited. Hans Kluge, the WHO's head for Europe, also called for quick sharing of samples and information. He said countries must share the resulting vaccines, tests and treatments fairly.
