Malaysia mahu akses patogen, manfaat dikongsi adil dalam perjanjian WHO

Malaysia has urged for equal access to pathogens and profit-sharing from them in the framework of the global post-pandemic preparedness, according to Health Minister Mohamad Hasan. Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly emergency session on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, the minister emphasized that strengthening pandemic preparedness cannot be complete without the principle of solidarity, while respecting each nation's sovereignty and laws.

"Solidarity must be supported by the capacity to conduct research, development, and produce essential health products," he said at the high-level meeting during the UN General Assembly 81st session.

Member states of the WHO will be bound by the Pandemic Treaty in May 2025, but discussions on the PABS annex are ongoing. The annex aims to create a multi-tiered system for the sharing of pathogens, ensuring that benefits such as vaccines, diagnostic methods, and treatments are shared fairly. WHO member states are holding a fresh round of negotiations this month, with results expected to be presented to the World Health Assembly in May 2027 or earlier through a special session in 2026.

Meanwhile, Malaysia is strengthening its pandemic preparedness through the National Health Security Action Plan 2025-2030, which includes health system readiness, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency alert coordination, and workforce planning. The minister also referred to Malaysia's One Health approach in addressing food, water, and environmental-related microbiological threats.

At the same time, Malaysia is enhancing its capacity for vaccine research, development, and production, as well as essential health products, through the National Vaccine Development Plan 2021-2030. Regarding funding, Mohamad stressed that international funds for pandemic preparedness must be sufficient, consistent, and able to respond to public health risks and each nation's needs.

"International mechanisms must complement domestic investment, strengthen national capacities, and enhance holistic health coverage," he said. Mohamad stated that the true measure of the meeting's success is whether future health threats can be detected earlier, contained more effectively, and addressed with a fairer access to life-saving facilities and treatments.

"Let our solidarity be not just a temporary response during a crisis, but a sustained commitment built before the next emergency, for every nation and every generation."