Countries Demonstrate Global Commitment as Negotiations on Pandemic Agreement Annex Progress

Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have concluded a week-long round of negotiations on the draft annex for Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS), a crucial component of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

The fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the WHO Pandemic Agreement (IGWG) concluded over the weekend following productive discussions held from 9 to 14 February 2026. The working group was established by the World Health Assembly (WHA) last year specifically to negotiate the PABS annex.

To ensure the world can respond swiftly and effectively to future pandemics, countries must be able to rapidly detect pathogens with pandemic potential and share their genetic sequence information and materials. This timely action enables scientists to accelerate the development of essential tools such as diagnostic tests, treatments, and vaccines.

The PABS system is designed to promote equitable access based on public health need by facilitating the rapid and timely sharing of pathogen materials and genetic sequence data. On an equal footing, it also ensures the rapid, timely, fair, and equitable sharing of benefits arising from these resources.

Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil, who serves as IGWG Bureau co-chair, commended the participants for their dedication. "Countries this week have again shown their steadfast commitment to getting the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex done," he stated. "We now have a clear vision for streamlining the text, while ensuring that the more contentious elements receive the necessary consultation."

Member States will resume negotiations again next month as they advance towards the May deadline, when the outcome of their work will be presented to the WHA.

Mr Matthew Harpur of the United Kingdom, also serving as IGWG Bureau co-chair, expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement. "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," he said.

Harpur further emphasised the urgency ahead: "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 was adopted by Member States last year to correct global weaknesses exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen international coordination and collaboration. As a legally binding international instrument, it is designed to make the world safer and more equitable in the face of future pandemics.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the ongoing cooperation. "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 remarked.

Dr Ghebreyesus expressed optimism about the timeline: "Recognizing the steady progress being made, I am confident that they will reach an agreement on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex in time for the World Health Assembly in May this year."

Alongside negotiations on the annex text and dialogues aimed at building consensus, Member States also engaged with relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector, academia, laboratories, and sequence information databases.