Geneva Health Files Wrap April-June 2025; GHF Jobs Scanner
[Newsletter Edition #281] The Q2 2025 Roundup from Geneva Health Files
Dear Readers,
Happy to present nearly 30 blistering editions from us over the last three months covering treaty negotiations, the global health financing crisis, a slew of illuminating guest essays, interviews and more.
Today we bring you a wrap of the second quarter of 2025. My colleague Sana Ali has helpfully compiled this for you.
Also, find our carefully curated jobs board in this edition (Thanks to Julia). Scroll all the way down to see the listings!
We hope to hear from organizations and companies looking to share their open positions or assignments. Our readers include experts across global health, and we are keen on sharing our assiduously built community to help make connections. The idea is to showcase few but meaningful roles in global health anywhere in the world.
Looking to recruit a consultant or advertise a position? Reach us at genevahealthfiles@gmail.com with “GHF Jobs Scanner” in the subject line.
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Our gratitude to our subscribers who help us stay in the game!
More soon!
Best,
Priti Patnaik, Sana Ali & Julia Dötzer
Feel free to write to us: patnaik.reporting@gmail.com or Follow us on Twitter: @filesgeneva
Highlights: April-June 2025
Compiled by Sana Ali
Treaty talks
[May 20] Multilateralism in Global Health on the Razor’s Edge: Countries Adopt New Pandemic Agreement at the World Health Assembly
WHO member states wrought victory on the Pandemic Agreement from populist, well-oiled, anti-science, disinformation forces, by adopting the Pandemic Agreement at the World Health Assembly today.
Countries adopted the much-contested, hard-fought Pandemic Agreement with the aim to prevent, prepare and respond better to acute health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic that wiped out nearly 20 million lives in the worst years during recent times.
[May 15] Exclusive: WHO Member States Agree on Key Resolution on The Future Work for The Pandemic Agreement, "Preserve Balance"
Heading into the World Health Assembly for a “hoped-for” adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, health diplomats in Geneva spent several days negotiating, and finally reaching consensus on a resolution that will accompany the adoption of the new legal instrument in global health.
[May 12] Unity For A Safer Future: A Historic Step Towards Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness And Response
After more than three years of intense deliberations, negotiators from Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have achieved something truly historic: a draft Pandemic Agreement. This represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape how the world prepares for, responds to, and prevents pandemics, so that the world is never again as badly affected as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[April 16] Countries Choose Consensus on Pandemic Agreement, G7 Fait Accompli on Caveated Terms of Tech Transfer Compromises Policy Space for Developing Countries
WHO member states voted for multilateralism in global health in the early hours of April 16th 2025, when they reached consensus on a new Pandemic Agreement after a rough patch of negotiations on the final day, but that ultimately saw all countries on board for the newest law in global health when it comes into force.
[April 14] Nearing a Deal: Countries Converge Closer to Consensus
Cherry blossoms have announced spring in front of the World Health Organization.
Inside, member states beavered in a hall in the basement over the past week, through tough, unpredictable, some times frustratingly slow, and yet dynamic negotiations on the new Pandemic Agreement. That this unfolds in a world rife with attacks on science, evidence and international solidarity, has been no mean feat.
In what could eventually be a flourishing finish, WHO member states reached closer to consensus in the early hours of Saturday, April 12, 2025. But they are not there yet.
[April 10] Talks on Terms of Tech Transfer in Run into Unruly Trade Winds [Pandemic Treaty Negotiations
As many as 80 developing countries are pushing back against explicitly stating voluntary approaches for technology transfer during pandemic emergencies, in the draft WHO Pandemic Treaty currently under negotiation in Geneva – these include members of the Africa Group (47), and the Equity Group (30+). In addition, a number of other developed countries, are not wedded to the word “voluntary” in Article 11 on tech transfer provisions in the treaty. This implies that majority of the WHO member states are keen on protecting their already negotiated policy space to respond to health emergencies by securing the option of using non-voluntary approaches on technology transfer.
[April 10] Talks on Terms of Tech Transfer in Run into Unruly Trade Winds
As many as 80 developing countries are pushing back against explicitly stating voluntary approaches for technology transfer during pandemic emergencies, in the draft WHO Pandemic Treaty currently under negotiation in Geneva – these include members of the Africa Group (47), and the Equity Group (30+). In addition, a number of other developed countries are not wedded to the word “voluntary” in Article 11 on tech transfer provisions in the treaty. This implies that the majority of the WHO member states are keen on protecting their already negotiated policy space to respond to health emergencies by securing the option of using non-voluntary approaches on technology transfer.
[April 9] Countries Inch Closer on Pathogen Access Benefits Sharing, Devil in the Details
WHO member states are getting closer on their positions on the obligations and rights under a proposed new Pathogen Access Benefits Sharing system in the draft Pandemic Agreement.
They have bridged a certain distance relative to previous rounds of negotiations, but the details of how the components of PABS will come together, and how such a mechanism will fit into the bigger legal architecture is much too open at this stage in the talks.
[April 8] Space For Consensus Widens In Pandemic Treaty Negotiations; Disagreements on Tech Transfer, Benefits-Sharing, and Tariff Wars Threaten A Final Deal
Geopolitics, financial pressures and a desperate wish for a win for multilateralism, are pushing countries to conclude the negotiations towards a new Pandemic Agreement. But whether they can, will become clear in a matter of days. Already, trade wars and deepening economic crises, are muddying the considerations for compromise.
[April 2] EU Countries Divided Over European Commission’s Role in the Pandemic Treaty Negotiations, Disagreement On Technology Transfer
There are rumblings among some European Union member states on the role of the European Commission in the negotiations on the Pandemic Agreement, particularly on the obligations on technology transfer, sources familiar with the dynamics told Geneva Health Files. “Not all countries are happy with the positions taken by the European Commission, especially when it comes to technology transfer provisions in the draft Pandemic Treaty,” a source familiar with the discussions in Brussels said.
The Files Interviews
[May 27]“The Major Battle That Was Fought Was On The Set-Asides”: Brazilian INB Vice-Chair On Pathogen Access & Benefits Sharing In The Pandemic Agreement
Just ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly that saw the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes, vice-chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, spoke with Geneva Health Files in an exclusive interview, sharing his perspectives on process, strategy and outcomes in these negotiations. He is also the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations Office at Geneva, and steered discussions on both financing, and the Pathogen Access Benefits Sharing system - key elements of the new agreement.
[June 2] “The Provisions of The Pandemic Agreement Are Very Clear on The Direction That The Agreement Wants Countries To Go” Egyptian INB Vice-Chair
One of the most challenging aspects of the recently adopted Pandemic Agreement, has been on the language relating to intellectual property, specifically on technology transfer. Ambassador Amr Ramadan of Egypt, vice-chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, spoke with Geneva Health Files in an exclusive, no holds barred interview, sharing his views on process, politics and the technical details of these complex negotiations.
Guest Essays
[June 24] Blended Finance Won’t Save Global Health – Renewed Public Sector Commitment Might
Global health financing experts getting together at the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Spain later this month are facing a dire situation. Global health spending is falling off a cliff, given the world’s many competing priorities, the abdication of US leadership, and stagnant health spending in low-income countries. If history is anything to go by, current funding gaps will lead to renewed calls for more ‘blended finance’, i.e. for financing the private sector in the hope that this will be ‘catalytic’ in the medium to long term.
[June 10] Who Shows Up, Who Decides? Delegation Size & New Dynamics of Global Health At The World Health Assembly 2025
This WHA was special, considering the adoption of a resolution to approve the final text of the Pandemic Treaty ( the treaty will enter into force later and is not yet open for signatures). In addition, the budget cuts due to the US withdrawal from WHO, and a reduction in aid from many other donor countries, is causing a major earthquake in how WHO and the Global Health system as a whole operates and is financed.
[May 16] Turn Words Into Action For Greater Transparency In Pharmaceutical Markets
In 2019, the adoption of the World Health Assembly resolution 72.8 on transparency in pharmaceutical markets was considered a milestone in the quest for fair medicine prices and accountability for decisions that affect public health. In the six years since , several countries have taken positive steps to make transparency a reality, while others have lagged behind. It is high time for all governments to learn from available good practice and step up efforts.
[April 7] Global Health Financing Crisis: Dog-Eat-Dog or A Constructive Prioritization?
The sudden and brutal end to billions of dollars in global health assistance has been costly: in thousands of lives lost; in wasted medicines and supplies that cannot be distributed; in projects and research that will end with no conclusions or results. As damaging as the cutoff of services and treatment is, the infrastructure, supply chains, surveillance and information networks that are gone overnight are even harder to rebuild.
The Files In-Depth
[June 20] US FDA Approves New HIV Prevention Drug, Calls for Improving Access to Lenacapavir Get Louder
FDA approval also paves the way for WHO prequalification, which can accelerate national regulatory approvals following endorsement by a stringent regulatory authority (SRA) and procurement by donor agencies like the the Global Fund. In parallel, WHO is working with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to support the Medicines 4 All (M4All) mechanism, which facilitates regulatory pathways in countries adopting lenacapavir.”
[June 12] Experts Expose Risks, Industry Tactics Behind Heated Tobacco Products; WHO Calls For Ban on Flavored Puffs
As the global use of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) accelerates, a panel of international public health experts convened by STOP, a tobacco industry watchdog, recently presented new evidence debunking claims of harm reduction and cessation linked to these products.
In a briefing, researchers and advocates from the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Ukraine shed light on the health risks, regulatory gaps, and deceptive lobbying strategies associated with HTPs, particularly those marketed by tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PMI).
[June 4] Countries Vote in Support of Palestine at World Health Assembly, as Humanitarian and Health Crises Worsen in Gaza
Palestine loomed large at the recently concluded World Health Assembly. Two items on the agenda at the Assembly focused specifically on the health situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, both of which attracted heated debates, votes, and concluded with the adoption of measures in favor of Palestine. Two further measures – one proposing to notify Palestine to the International Health Regulations (IHR) regime, and another, in favour of flying the flags of non-member Observer States such as Palestine at WHO headquarters – were also adopted following roll-call votes.
[May 22] Countries Agree To Pay More To WHO During The Greatest Disruption To Global Health Financing
WHO member states have agreed to pay nearly US$1 billion for the next two years to WHO by agreeing to a previously negotiated increase in membership dues, at a time when the organization faces a debilitating financial crunch that has shrunk its leadership team, affected operations and will see hundreds of job losses across the board in the coming months.
[May 13] Austerity Induced Prioritization at the World Health Organization
Geopolitics and a contracting development finance landscape is circumscribing the field of global health. At the World Health Assembly next week, WHO member states will consider a smaller budget than initially agreed: US$4.2 billion for 2026-2027. Countries have also indicated top five high priority areas where they would need WHO’s expertise.
[May 4] The US$ 8 Billion Hole in Global Health: Why Private Capital Must Step Up Now
The global health financing system is facing a crisis of historic proportions as traditional sources of Official Development Assistance (ODA) continue to erode. The U.S., once the single largest bilateral donor to health programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), has significantly reduced its contributions, with the Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze alone creating an $8.3 billion annual gap. But this is not a uniquely American shift. European donors—including the UK, France, and the Netherlands—have also scaled back support, compounding the strain on already fragile health systems. Collectively, these funding contractions imperil millions of lives and risk unraveling decades of progress against HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other preventable diseases.
[May 1] The Gavi Briefing: On The Funding Crisis, The Immunization Agenda, And The African Vaccines Manufacturing Accelerator
The immunization agenda is under attack, not only from some governments, but also from a growing anti-science movement in many parts of the world.
Organizations such as Gavi - The Vaccine Alliance have to contend with both - the challenges of disinformation at the highest levels of policy-making, and with uncertainty in the way they are funded. The broad shifts sweeping global health financing has left no organization untouched.
[April 29] A Downsized World Health Organization Raises Concerns on the Shrinking Mandate For Global Health
“… The sudden drop in income has left us with a large salary gap and no choice but to reduce the scale of our work and workforce..” This stark admission came from WHO’s Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the backdrop of brutal and abrupt cuts in foreign aid across countries, risking rising rates of infectious diseases, threatening immunization drives and affecting normative work. A deepening financial crisis has caught the UN’s only technical agency unprepared and tragically underfunded, insiders say.
[April 22] From Junk to 'Health': The Dangerous Spin of Big Food. How Big Food Profits from Health Hype
In today’s edition we examine a trend that is fast gaining currency: food companies also fashioning themselves as health companies, operating at the interface of addressing disease conditions caused by unhealthy food produced by those same companies.
The Files Flash
[May 19] Jeremy Farrar: “WHO has to be a generous center”
Jeremy Farrar, Chief Scientist at WHO, and newly appointed as Assistant Director-General (ADG) of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, spoke at an event at the Geneva Graduate Institute, sharing his perspectives on the prioritization efforts underway, and what it means for global health.
[May 14] The New Leadership Team at WHO: Restructuring Update
Last month, DG Tedros had told member states that the institutional structure of World Health Organization will shrink by nearly half to 34 departments (from 76). The restructuring is the result of one of the worst financial crisis facing the organization following the retreat by multiple donors, including notably the United States at the beginning of 2025.
See Jobs Scanner below
II. GHF JOBS SCANNER
Senior Level
Devex: Director of International Foundations, Organizations and Institutions
Application Deadline: 25th of August 2025
Placement: Brussels, London, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, UgandaPublic Citizen: Research Director
Application Deadline: NA
Placement: WashingtonJohn Ellerman Foundation: Investment consultant
Application Deadline: 8th of August 2025
Placement: London
Mid Level
MSF: Tuberculosis (TB) Technical Advisor
Application Deadline: 7th of July 2025
Placement: Rio de Janeiro, Dakar, Nairobi, Brussels, or Kuala LumpurGates Foundation: Subject Matter Experts in Women’s Health R&D and Private Sector Engagement
Application Deadline: 1st of July 2025
Placement: Washington/SeattleMcKinsey Health Institute: Communications Specialist
Application Deadline: NA
Placement: EuropeUNICEF: Community Health Communications and Advocacy Consultant
Application Deadline: 2nd of July 2025
Placement: New YorkWellcome Trust: Climate Finance Consultant
Application Deadline (Expression of interest): 8th of July 2025
Placement: LondonUniversity College London: Lecturer / Associate Professor
The Division of Biosciences
Application Deadline: 30th of June 2025
Location: LondonUCL Institute for Global Health: Senior Research Fellow in Global Mental Health
Application Deadline: 29th of June 2025
Location: London
Junior Level
World Health Summit: Communications Manager
Application Deadline: NA
Placement: BerlinFirst Response Fund: Program Manager
Global Programs - Ottawa, Ontario (Remote)
Application Deadline: 6 July 2025
Consultant roster
Gates Foundation, Consulting Opportunity: Experts in Women's Health R&D
Application Deadline: 1 July 2025
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