WHO pandemic treaty talks falter as India, West clash over tech transfers

U.S., Europe and Japan balk over potential burden on drugmakers

20240405N COVID India

India and other emerging countries are pushing for broader access to technology from drugmakers to ensure more equitable distribution of vaccines and treatments. © Reuters

MADOKA KITAMATSU, Nikkei staff writer

GENEVA -- World Health Organization members' negotiations on a pandemic preparedness treaty remain rocky less than two months before the intended deadline, as industrialized and developing nations butt heads over technology access.

Talks began in December 2021 with countries hoping to apply lessons from the slow COVID-19 response to prepare for the next pandemic. After two years of negotiating the contents, the plan was to reach an accord at the negotiating body's meeting last month.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.