PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY: RETHINKING THE ROLE OF THE WHO IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

Abstract

COVID-19 exemplifies how fragile international health governance systems are when faced with global pandemics. For instance, experts argue that "these pandemics exposed major gaps in our global health security architecture". However, there are limits to the World Health Organization's powers because of state sovereignty. WHO Member States created a new international pandemic agreement in 2025 to improve pandemic preparedness. However, this new agreement upholds state sovereignty and voluntary compliance. This paper analyses past and current theoretical interpretations of international health governance.

Additionally, this paper analyses existing legal agreements and provides case studies of past outbreaks (SARS, Ebola, COVID-19). Finally, this paper will highlight challenges (politicization, inequity, compliance) and opportunities (new treaty, independent monitoring body) for the international community to work towards fair and equitable pandemic prevention. It is recommended that by improving transparency, implementing independent review bodies, incentivizing compliance, and balancing national interests and the collective interest of pandemic prevention.