Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has praised the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement during the fourth Health Working Group meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) held in Johannesburg.
This significant international treaty, supported by 124 member states on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, is only the second international health treaty approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since its establishment in 1948.
The agreement’s adoption follows three years of intensive negotiation launched due to gaps and inequities identified in the national and global Covid-19 response.
It aims to boost global collaboration to ensure a stronger, more equitable response to future pandemics.
Delivering the welcome address, Motsoaledi celebrated the momentous achievement and emphasised the importance of collective action in ensuring global health security.
“Your presence here today is a testament to our collective commitment to global health security,” he said.
Motsoaledi stated that the agreement results from the diligent efforts of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which was established to develop a legally binding framework for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
“The stark lessons of the Covid-19 crisis fuelled our collective resolve to forge a more robust and equitable framework, one that ensures international cooperation and protects all nations from the devastating impact of future pandemics,” the minister told the attendees.
South Africa, playing a pivotal leadership role as a co-chair of the INB, worked alongside partners from France and the Netherlands, while acknowledging contributions from vice-chairs representing Brazil, Thailand, Egypt, and New Zealand.
The minister stated that the four key pillars of the agreement are designed to fundamentally transform the global response to health emergencies. The agreement emphasises the importance of equitable access to pandemic-related health products, the establishment of a global supply chain and logistics network, and the creation of a coordinating financial mechanism to strengthen pandemic response capabilities.
In addition, the agreement highlights a holistic 'one health' approach, which stresses the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, which is now a central focus of global pandemic strategies.
Lucy Raitano and Kevin Buckland 11 Apr 2025
The minister said the agreement incorporates a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (Pabs) system, requiring pharmaceutical companies to contribute 20% of production during pandemics in exchange for access to critical pathogen data.
This mechanism aims to ensure that all nations benefit from scientific advancements, especially in times of crisis.
“As an active participant and representative member for the African region, I can say with certainty that we see this agreement as a crucial step towards rectifying the deep-seated imbalances in access to life-saving pandemic products that were so painfully exposed during the recent crisis.”
Although Motsoaledi has acknowledged the agreement’s adoption as a significant success, there is still much work ahead.
“While we celebrate the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, our work is far from over. We are now entering a critical new phase.”
He urged immediate engagement in further discussions regarding the Pabs system, to convene the Intergovernmental Working Group before 15 July 2025.
“Finalising a robust and equitable Pabs annexe is the ultimate litmus test of our collective commitment. It is the essential next step to transform the Pandemic Agreement from a document of principles into a functional, life-saving tool for justice and our shared global health security.”
The minister has since called for continued collaboration and commitment to safeguarding global health for everyone.
This important week-long meeting began on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday, 13 June 2025.
The event brings together health leaders, experts, and policymakers from the world’s largest economies, invited nations, and international organisations.
