On May 20, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) member states, including Kenya, made history by adopting a binding global pandemic treaty at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. After three years of tough negotiations, this “landmark decision” aims to revolutionize how the world prevents, prepares for, and responds to future pandemics. For Kenya, a country that felt the sting of delayed resources during COVID-19, this treaty is a beacon of hope. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has championed its adoption, signaling Kenya’s readiness to embrace a stronger, more equitable health future.
A key feature of the agreement is its emphasis on the One Health approach, particularly at the human-animal interface, making it highly relevant to ZoNoH’s work. ZoNoH’s mission is to empower communities to prevent zoonosis by fostering collaboration and innovation within Kenya’s food system. Our flagship solution, ZoNoHSync, an innovative zoonoses management solution has been successfully piloted for Anthrax Control in Kakamega County, demonstrating practical, community-driven solutions to health threats.
What the Treaty Means
The WHO Pandemic Agreement, adopted with consensus by 124 member states, is a response to the gaps and inequities revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was negotiated under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, establishing binding mechanisms to strengthen global collaboration on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Key components include:
- One Health Approach: The agreement explicitly incorporates One Health as a core strategy for preventing pandemics, focusing on enhanced surveillance and response at the human-animal interface to address zoonotic threats.
- Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS): This system ensures equitable sharing of pathogens and benefits, requiring pharmaceutical companies to contribute 20% of real-time production of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics to WHO for distribution based on public health need.
- Global Supply Chain Logistics Network (GSCL): This mechanism aims to prevent supply chain disruptions, ensuring timely access to health products, particularly for countries like Kenya.
- Equity and Collaboration: The agreement fosters cooperation among countries, WHO, civil society, and the private sector, emphasizing equitable access to resources and capacity building in developing nations.
- Sovereignty and Rights: Articles 3.1, 12.1, and 22.2 affirm national sovereignty, ensuring WHO cannot mandate actions like lockdowns or travel bans, and Article 3.2 protects human rights and freedoms.
For Kenya, the agreement addresses critical challenges faced during COVID-19, such as delayed information, high costs of medical supplies, and supply chain disruptions. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has championed its rapid adoption, particularly emphasizing the PABS system to ensure technology transfer and benefits for developing countries.
ZoNoH’s Relevance in Kenya’s One Health Approach
ZoNoH is uniquely positioned to advance the One Health framework in Kenya, focusing on zoonotic diseases that pose significant risks to public health and socio-economic stability. Through ZoNoHSync, ZoNoH presents an innovative, scalable solution for zoonoses management, designed to promote sustainable health for humans, animals, and the environment through a co-creation process. ZoNoH has showcased ability to engage local stakeholders effectively by successfully piloting ZoNoHSync in Kakamega County, demonstrating lasting benefits through client cooperation.
Our mission to empower communities aligns with Kenya’s broader health goals, particularly in addressing the burden of zoonotic diseases, which are a major source of pandemic threats. By integrating One Health and Food System approaches, ZoNoH tackles the root causes of disease transmission within Kenya’s agricultural and food production systems.
ZoNoH’s work complements the WHO Pandemic Agreement in several key ways, amplifying its significance in realizing the One Health framework in Kenya:
- Advancing One Health Implementation:
- The agreement’s emphasis on One Health aligns directly with ZoNoH’s mission to address zoonotic diseases at the human-animal-environment interface. ZoNoHSync, with its focus on scalable health solutions, can be integrated into national One Health surveillance and response systems supported by the agreement.
- The Anthrax Control Pilot in Kakamega demonstrates ZoNoH’s ability to implement community-driven One Health strategies, which can serve as a model for other regions in Kenya and beyond.
- Supporting Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS):
- The PABS system, still under negotiation, aims to ensure that countries like Kenya, which contribute pathogens to global research, receive equitable benefits such as vaccines and technology transfer. ZoNoH emphasizes data sharing for the benefit of all stakeholders, contributing to global innovations.
- Enhancing Community Engagement and Equity:
- The agreement prioritizes equitable access to health products, particularly for developing countries. ZoNoH’s community involvement and co-creation approach, as seen in its Kakamega pilot, ensures that these resources reach grassroots levels, addressing local needs effectively. This will ensure that vulnerable populations not only benefit from global health initiatives but also contribute meaningfully to it.
- Strengthening Global and Local Collaboration:
- The agreement encourages partnerships among countries, WHO, civil society, and the private sector. ZoNoH, as a collaborative initiative led by experts and partner institutions, can serve as a bridge between local communities and global health networks.
Implications for Kenya’s Health System
Kenya has been a vocal supporter of this global accord. At the assembly, Cabinet Secretary Duale aligned with Africa’s call, led by Tanzania, for a treaty that ensures developing nations aren’t left out. He pushed for quick adoption and stressed the need for technology transfer through the PABS system. This system could see Kenya gain from the pathogens it shares with the world, turning a one-sided deal into a fair exchange.
But adoption is just the start. Kenya still needs to sign the treaty, get cabinet approval, and secure a parliamentary green light before it’s fully part of the plan. Once that’s done, the benefits can roll in. Key implications include:
- Policy Advocacy: Need for key stakeholders to work with policymakers to ensure that Kenya’s health laws align with the agreement’s One Health and equity goals, strengthening the national response to zoonotic diseases.
- Capacity Building: The agreement’s provisions for capacity building in developing countries can support ZoNoH’s efforts to scale ZoNoHSync, enhancing Kenya’s ability to prevent pandemics.
- Community Impact: ZoNoH’s community-driven approach ensures that global health benefits, such as those from PABS and GSCL, reach rural and underserved areas, reducing health disparities.
The WHO Pandemic Agreement provides a global platform for ZoNoH to amplify its impact in Kenya and beyond. By aligning with the agreement’s goals, ZoNoH can:
- Scale Innovations: ZoNoHSync can be expanded with support from the agreement’s capacity-building and resource-sharing mechanisms.
- Lead Regional Efforts: As a model of One Health in action, ZoNoH can inspire similar initiatives across Africa, contributing to the continent’s health security.
- Advocate for Equity: By participating in PABS negotiations, ZoNoH can ensure that Kenya and other African countries receive fair benefits from global health research.
- Strengthen Resilience: Through collaboration with global partners, ZoNoH can enhance Kenya’s preparedness for future pandemics, making the country a leader in One Health implementation.
Looking Ahead
Some concerns have been raised about the WHO Pandemic Agreement, particularly regarding national sovereignty and potential restrictions on rights. However, the agreement’s text (Articles 3.1, 12.1, and 22.2) explicitly protects national autonomy, stating that WHO cannot mandate actions like lockdowns or travel bans. Article 3.2 emphasizes human rights and freedoms, ensuring no arbitrary restrictions or sanctions are imposed on non-complying parties.
The WHO Pandemic Agreement isn’t just about surviving the next crisis, it’s about thriving through it. For Kenya, it’s a chance to build a tougher health system, backed by global teamwork. As the country gears up to ratify the treaty, the focus is on turning words into action. With political will and international support, Kenya could face the next pandemic not just ready, but resilient.