WHO pandemic treaty

In December 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to establish an intergovernmental negotiating body to prepare a treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.  The treaty negotiations started in February 2022, and the treaty is set to be completed in May 2024.  

COVID-19 has shown that international preparedness for pandemics must be strengthened. The WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) form the key foundation for international cooperation that guides preparedness for cross-border health threats. The aim of the future pandemic treaty is to further strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response internationally. 

The treaty negotiations take place in the intergovernmental negotiating body, which consists of the WHO Member States. This means that Finland also takes part in the negotiations. Finland’s delegation for the negotiations includes representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. 

Parliament is kept informed of the progress of the negotiations and Finland’s positions. In addition, consultation events will be arranged for stakeholders. You can follow the progress of the negotiations on the WHO's website.

Further information