Countries Progress Negotiations on WHO Pandemic Agreement

Pathogen Access ⁣and Benefit-Sharing System ‍Negotiations

Negotiations are ongoing regarding a new Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing⁣ (PABS) system, with Member States requesting an extension of the fourth meeting ⁤of the Intergovernmental Negotiating ⁣Body (IGWG) originally convened in December 2025.⁢ As of January 24, 2026, no further‍ updates‍ regarding the extension have ‍been publicly released by the World Health Association (WHO).

Intergovernmental ‍Negotiating Body (IGWG)

the IGWG is tasked with⁤ developing an international agreement on ⁢pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, including a dedicated component on ⁣pathogen access and benefit-sharing. Negotiations where launched in ⁣March 2023, aiming to establish a framework for ‌equitable ⁢access to pathogens⁤ and the benefits derived from their ⁢use.

Definition / Direct⁣ Answer: The⁤ IGWG is a body established by the WHO to negotiate a legally binding agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, with a key focus on pathogen access and benefit-sharing.

Detail: The PABS system aims to ‌improve the sharing of biological samples of pathogens and the data‌ generated from their use, ensuring fair and equitable benefits for ⁤all countries, particularly those where the pathogens originate. This includes addressing issues of intellectual ​property, technology ‌transfer, and capacity building. The IGWG is working towards a ‍system that balances incentivizing sharing with‌ ensuring ⁤equitable access to ​resulting products like vaccines and therapeutics.

Example or Evidence: The need for a PABS system was ⁤highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where access to viral samples and related data was unevenly distributed, ​hindering research and vaccine progress ⁣efforts. dr. Tedros adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized‌ the ‍importance of multilateral solutions in addressing global health challenges.

Timeline and Next Steps

Definition / Direct Answer: The‍ outcome of the IGWG’s work⁢ is scheduled​ to be submitted to the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly‍ in May ⁢2026 for consideration.

Detail: Further meetings of the IGWG are planned‌ in the coming months‍ to continue negotiations.‍ The ⁢May 2026 deadline for submission to the World Health Assembly represents a critical milestone in the process. The agreement, once finalized, will⁢ require‌ ratification by member states to ​become ​legally binding.

Example or Evidence: According⁢ to the WHO’s​ report on the fourth IGWG meeting (December 21,2023),Member States expressed a ⁢willingness to work together ⁣and bridge differences,indicating⁣ a positive trajectory towards reaching an agreement. The report also noted the request for a potential extension of the fourth meeting, suggesting ​the ‌complexity of the negotiations.

Role ⁣of the world Health Organization (WHO)

Definition / Direct Answer: The WHO is facilitating‍ the negotiations and providing ‌technical support to the IGWG in developing the PABS system.

Detail: The WHO director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom ‌Ghebreyesus,has consistently advocated for a strong​ PABS‍ system as a cornerstone of global health security and equity.The WHO ⁤provides a neutral platform⁤ for member states to ⁣engage in discussions and work towards a ⁢consensus.

Example or Evidence: Dr. Tedros stated,”A​ strong Pathogen Access and Benefit‑Sharing system will be a cornerstone of a ⁢safer and more‌ equitable world,”‌ highlighting the WHO’s commitment to the process. This statement was made following the conclusion of⁢ the fourth IGWG meeting in December 2023.