Malaysia calls for global equity in WHO pandemic preparedness pact

At the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called for enhanced global responsibility and equity in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlighting lessons from COVID-19, Hasan emphasized that no nation can ensure the health of its citizens in isolation.

Malaysia expressed support for the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Agreement but urged for a “robust and equitable” annex regarding Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS). The minister argued that pathogen sharing and the subsequent sharing of benefits, such as vaccines and therapeutics, must be placed on equal footing while respecting national sovereignty and legislation.

Domestically, Malaysia is strengthening its readiness through the National Action Plan for Health Security 2025–2030 and the National Vaccine Development Roadmap 2021–2030. The country is also implementing a “One Health” approach to manage microbiological threats in food, water, and the environment.