WHO Member States continue negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex

WHO Member States have advanced negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex, a central component of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, while agreeing that continued discussions are needed to finalize a framework that supports a faster, more effective and equitable response to future pandemics.

The seventh meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the Pandemic Agreement concluded last Friday in Geneva. Following two weeks of negotiations, countries reaffirmed their commitment to developing a PABS system that enables the rapid sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential, while ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use, including pandemic vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.

During the meeting, Member States further streamlined the draft text while continuing consultations on more complex issues to move closer to consensus. Discussions focused on several interrelated elements of the PABS system, including the contractual arrangements underpinning the framework, the structure of the laboratory networks responsible for the sharing and handling of pathogens with pandemic potential and their sequence information, and the definition of benefits arising from pathogen sharing.

“I commend Member States for their continued dedication to multilateralism, dialogue and to finding common ground,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “While differences remain, those differences can be bridged if we keep our shared goal in sight: a world where pathogens and scientific information are shared rapidly, and the benefits they generate are shared fairly and equitably. The task is vital, and urgent. The next pandemic will not wait. Neither should we.”

The meeting concluded with Member States reaffirming their commitment to continue intensive negotiations toward an ambitious, effective and equitable PABS annex. Finalizing the annex is a critical step toward enabling countries to consider the signature and ratification of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, strengthening global health security and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response for future generations.

“Over the past two weeks, we have made meaningful progress on some of the most technically and politically complex elements of the PABS annex,” said IGWG Bureau Co-Chair Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil. “The remaining issues are challenging, but we have a clear path to completing this important work.”

“The progress made at this meeting reflects our shared determination to deliver an effective, robust and equitable PABS system,” said IGWG Bureau Co-Chair Mr Matthew Harpur. “With continued momentum, we can finalize an annex that strengthens global pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.”