Countries Negotiate Key Annex to WHO Pandemic Agreement on Pathogen Access

Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) recently wrapped up a week of negotiations concerning a vital annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) as part of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. This milestone was reached at the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG), which was created by the World Health Assembly (WHA) the previous year to specifically work on this annex. The discussions took place from February 9 to 14, 2026, and marked a significant step forward in global pandemic preparedness.

The ability for countries to quickly identify pathogens that could lead to pandemics, alongside sharing genetic sequences and materials, is essential for an effective response. This expedited communication can greatly assist scientists in developing essential medical tools, such as tests and vaccines, that can mitigate the impacts of future outbreaks.

The proposed PABS framework seeks to foster equitable access, prioritizing public health needs and ensuring that the sharing of pathogen materials and genetic data is both timely and fair. Furthermore, it addresses the equitable distribution of benefits arising from this sharing.

Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes from Brazil, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau, commented on the discussions, stating, "Countries this week have again shown their steadfast commitment to getting the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex done. We now have a clear vision for streamlining the text, while ensuring that the more contentious elements receive the necessary consultation."

Following these productive discussions, Member States plan to reconvene next month, progressing toward a deadline in May. This deadline is significant as the outcomes from the negotiations will be presented at the next World Health Assembly (WHA).

Mr. Matthew Harpur, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau from the United Kingdom, expressed gratitude to the delegations for their constructive dialogue. He noted, "As we conclude the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group, I want to thank delegations for their serious and constructive engagement. It is clear that important differences remain, but there is a shared recognition of what is at stake. With time running short, the coming weeks will be critical in bridging the remaining gaps and delivering a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex that is fair, effective, and fit for purpose."

The WHO Pandemic Agreement, which was adopted last year, aims to rectify the weaknesses revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic and fortify international collaboration. This legally binding instrument is intended to pave the way for a safer and more equitable global health landscape in the context of potential future pandemics.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's Director-General, emphasized the significance of the Pandemic Agreement during the discussions, stating, "Adopting the Pandemic Agreement last year was a huge testament to global cooperation, and we need to build on that momentum. Strong multilateralism remains essential as countries have to face future pandemics together, collectively."

He expressed confidence in the ongoing negotiations, asserting that significant progress is being made toward an agreement on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex by the upcoming World Health Assembly in May this year.

In addition to the negotiations on textual details, Member States engaged with various stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector, academia, laboratories, and genetic sequence information databases, fostering a collaborative environment for drafting this important policy.