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Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
New WHO agreement on pandemic response: What's it is and what it will do
With lessons from Covid-19, WHO members back treaty to improve equity, vaccine access, and emergency coordination during future outbreaks Barkha Mathur New Delhi World Health Organization (WHO) member states have adopted a landmark agreement aimed at addressing the gaps exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The WHO Pandemic Agreement is designed to ensure faster, fairer and more coordinated global responses during future health emergencies. What is the WHO Pandemic Agreement? The WHO Pandemic Agreement is the first legally binding international accord to comprehensively address pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, it promotes data sharing, equitable access to resources and greater cooperation between countries during health crises. The agreement text states that member countries recognise 'that the international spread of disease is a global threat… that calls for the widest possible international and regional collaboration… while reaffirming the principle of the sovereignty of States in addressing public health matters.' What are the goals of the WHO pandemic treaty? The agreement outlines five primary objectives: Ensure equitable access to pandemic-related vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics Strengthen collaboration through data and pathogen sharing Support resilient health systems, especially in low-resource settings Promote knowledge and technology transfer for local production Establish sustainable funding mechanisms for rapid response How will countries benefit from the pandemic agreement? Countries that sign and ratify the agreement will be entitled to: Rapid access to 20 per cent of global pandemic-related health product output — 10 per cent as donations, 10 per cent at affordable prices A Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) for fair resource distribution A coordinated financial mechanism for emergency response from day one of a pandemic Access to shared technologies and production knowledge, especially in developing countries What is the WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS)? The Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), still under negotiation, will govern how countries share biological materials and genome sequences and ensure fair return benefits like vaccines and diagnostics. The PABS annex will be finalised for consideration at the 2026 World Health Assembly. The treaty also adopts a 'One Health' approach, acknowledging the link between human, animal and environmental health. What happens next? The agreement is now open for signature and ratification. It will become binding once ratified by 60 countries. Member states are expected to: Begin aligning national laws with the agreement Engage in the development of the PABS annex Support WHO-led efforts to strengthen health systems, particularly in developing nations Consider early ratification to expedite the treaty's entry into force How will the agreement promote equity in vaccine distribution? The agreement directly addresses vaccine inequity, a major issue during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pharmaceutical manufacturers will be required to reserve: 10 per cent of production for WHO-led donations 10 per cent at reduced prices for distribution to low-income nations The agreement also discourages vaccine hoarding and promotes timely and transparent supply allocation to vulnerable populations. What did WHO say about the significance of the treaty? 'The world is safer today thanks to the leadership, collaboration and commitment of our Member States to adopt the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement,' said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement. He added: 'The Agreement is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action. It will ensure we, collectively, can better protect the world from future pandemic threats. It is also a recognition by the international community that our citizens, societies and economies must not be left vulnerable to again suffer losses like those endured during Covid-19.'
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ITS Logistics May Port Rail Ramp Index: Heavy Import Volumes and Pent-up Demand from China Set to Pull Forward Peak Retail Season and Cause Transportation Challenges for U.S.
RENO, Nev., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ITS Logistics today released the May forecast for the ITS Logistics US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index. This month's index confirmed the previous projections of a steep import drop-off following tariff increases on Chinese goods. In addition, rail ramps in key regions are experiencing operational stress as shippers redirect front-loaded inventory to interior point intermodal (IPI) routing, all while cargo theft at rail interchange points shows distressing trends for shippers and providers in 2025. On Monday, trade officials announced that the U.S. and China agreed to a temporary tariff reduction, with the U.S. lowering tariffs from 145% to 30% and China lowering its tariffs on U.S. goods to 10% from 125%. With the new rates officially in place for the next 90 days, shippers are eager to restart imports, replenish inventories, and prepare for upcoming holiday seasons. The sudden surge in demand and uncertainty surrounding long-term availability of Chinese imports has the potential to spur another frontloading event that drives an early start to peak season for businesses in key industries like retail. 'I have clients with thousands of containers pre-loaded in China that is ready to come in,' said Paul Brashier, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at ITS Logistics. Over the next four to six weeks, Brashier says he expects a surge of containers, calling the 90-day pause 'the pivotal moment for supply chain planning out of China.' Brashier continued, 'Shippers should be prepared to increase trucking and equipment capacity immediately to ensure they can withstand volatility and get their goods to market on time.' Adding to emerging market challenges, industry experts are reporting a surge in cargo theft. Criminal networks in the U.S. and internationally are exploiting weaknesses in current supply chain systems, as well as technology intended to improve overall efficiency, to steal freight. CNBC recently reported industry-wide losses estimated to be close to $1 billion or more a year. A leader in fraud prevention solutions, Highway, cited in its quarterly Freight Fraud Index that the company blocked more than 914,000 fraud attempts in 2024, and over 400,000 were blocked in Q1 of 2025 alone. Additionally, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) data showed a 40% year-over-year increase in container theft incidents in 2024. In the months preceding the April tariff announcement, shippers turned to IPI to move front-loaded goods away from congested ports — only to create new chokepoints at inland rail ramps, where cargo theft is now surging. This is occurring as industry stakeholders demand federal intervention as the current freight fraud crisis escalates, leaving vulnerable supply chains at risk. 'Using IPI offers more storage elasticity and allows shippers to avoid 3PL storage fees on front-loaded inventories,' Brashier explained. 'However, chassis availability and congested ramp operations are becoming more frequent, and theft at interchanges between rail providers is a serious ongoing concern.' Amid industry professionals seeking ways to best navigate the current supply chain disruptions, ITS advises companies to prepare for an early kick-off to peak season that lasts through Q3. Additionally, as the supply chain industry enters Q4, tax policy, deregulation, and federal reserve policy could spur economic growth that drives higher year-over-year (YOY) volumes. ITS Logistics offers a full suite of network transportation solutions across North America and distribution and fulfillment services to 95% of the U.S. population within two days. These services include drayage and intermodal in 22 coastal ports and 30 rail ramps, a full suite of asset and asset-lite transportation solutions, omnichannel distribution and fulfillment, LTL, and outbound small parcel. The ITS Logistics US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index forecasts port container and dray operations for the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf regions. Ocean and domestic container rail ramp operations are also highlighted in the index for both the West Inland and East Inland regions. Visit here for a full comprehensive copy of the index with expected forecasts for the U.S. port and rail ramps. About ITS Logistics ITS Logistics is one of North America's fastest-growing, asset-based modern 3PLs, providing solutions for the industry's most complicated supply chain challenges. With a people-first culture committed to excellence, the company relentlessly strives to deliver unmatched value through best-in-class service, expertise, and innovation. The ITS Logistics portfolio features North America's #18 asset-lite freight brokerage, the #12 drayage and intermodal solution, an asset-based dedicated fleet, an innovative cloud-based technology ecosystem, and a nationwide distribution and fulfillment network. Media Contact Amber Good LeadCoverage [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
How AI is Quietly Reshaping Global Supply Chains
'The AI Ecosystems Revolution: Transforming the Global Supply Chain through Real-Time Collaboration' by Joe Hudicka is released with Forbes Books. NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, April 29, 2025 / / -- 'The AI Ecosystems Revolution: Transforming the Global Supply Chain through Real-Time Collaboration' by Joe Hudicka is now available on Amazon. The book is published with Forbes Books, the exclusive business book publishing imprint of Forbes. Our global supply chain is bogged down by outdated forecasting methods, middlemen, and inefficiencies that slow down business and frustrate consumers. In 'The AI Ecosystems Revolution,' Joe Hudicka presents a new way forward, leveraging AI-driven collaboration, real-time data, and his proprietary concepts to create smarter, more resilient supply chains. A longtime innovator in logistics and technology, Hudicka outlines the Silent Shift™, an ongoing transformation in supply chain management that is happening behind the scenes—where companies that embrace AI and collaborative ecosystems will thrive while those that resist will be left behind. He introduces practical solutions such as: >Forestreaming™ – A revolutionary shift away from traditional forecasting to real-time, data-driven decision-making. >AI Ecosystems™ – The integration of AI to optimize and streamline global trade. >Connected Conversations™ – How transparent data-sharing can eliminate inefficiencies and improve outcomes for businesses and consumers. >Predictive Logistics – Using AI to anticipate disruptions before they happen. >The Future of Supply Chain Leadership – Why companies must rethink logistics as a competitive advantage. Packed with real-world case studies, industry insights, and an engaging narrative, 'The AI Ecosystems Revolution' offers clear advice for supply chain leaders, business executives, and entrepreneurs looking to stay ahead in an increasingly complex global economy. Whether you're a CEO rethinking operations, a logistics manager looking to improve efficiency, or simply curious about the future of AI in business, this book provides a clear, actionable guide to the next era of supply chain transformation. 'This book is a bridge to our digital future in global supply,' Hudicka said. 'It's time we stop making people help software, and start making software that actually helps people. It's time we finally put people first! That's what the AI Ecosystems Revolution is all about.' This release is posted on behalf of Forbes Books (operated by Advantage Media Group under license). About the Author Joe Hudicka is the CEO and founder of EvenFlow, whose mission is to stop making people help technology and start making technology help people. In 2001, he founded The Clarity Team, LLC, where he is the senior solutions architect, and in 2016, he imagined and launched Fizzee Labs Foundation, an award-winning innovation education nonprofit. He is also an Adjunct Professor of MBA and Undergraduate Innovation & Entrepreneurship programs at Rider University, where he serves on the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies Advisory Council and Center for Business Analytics Advisory Council. He is a volunteer entrepreneur in residence. Joe currently lives in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, with his wife and two children. About Forbes Books Founded in 2016 in partnership with Advantage Media Group, Forbes Books is the exclusive book publishing imprint of Forbes Media. Forbes Books offers business and thought leaders a way to share their ideas and expertise with the world. Authors are carefully vetted to ensure their stories and insights align with the Forbes mission of driving success through innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. For more information, visit Media Contact Samantha Miller Forbes Books +1 843-284-6318 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
