US rejects WHO pandemic accord, citing sovereignty

The United States has rejected a World Health Organization agreement designed to improve global pandemic preparedness, citing concerns about national sovereignty. The U.S. government stated its official rejection of the legally binding pact on Friday, which was adopted in May after three years of negotiations. The agreement aimed to ensure equitable access to vaccines and medicines during future pandemics. The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, initiated years ago, means it is not bound by the pact. The government expressed concerns about the agreement's potential impact on U.S. health policy and its focus on political issues.