UN General Assembly adopts pandemic prevention declaration despite US opposition

The UN General Assembly adopted a political declaration on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response by a 153-3 vote, with the United States voting against.

• The declaration passed with 153 votes in favor, the United States, Argentina and Israel opposed, and New Zealand and Paraguay abstaining.
• The US delegate said Washington rejected provisions she said would bind member states to international agreements they have not joined, citing unqualified references to sexual and reproductive health.
• WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged states to complete negotiations on the pathogens-access and benefit-sharing annex so the WHO pandemic agreement can be signed and ratified.
• The WHO said the pandemic agreement will not open for signature until the annex is agreed and adopted by the World Health Assembly.