WHO Member States Extend Pandemic Agreement Negotiations

Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to extend negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex, a critical part of the proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement. The decision came after the resumed sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) in Geneva concluded, with participants determining that more time is necessary to finalize the framework for pandemic preparedness.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that significant progress had been made on the PABS annex, describing it as the final piece of the puzzle for the Pandemic Agreement. The annex aims to ensure the rapid sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential and the fair and equitable distribution of benefits derived from them, such as vaccines and therapeutics. Finalization is required for countries to sign and ratify the main agreement.

Negotiators highlighted the technical and legal complexity of the PABS annex, with co-chairs expressing confidence that continued discussions will overcome remaining differences. The goal is to provide a framework that enhances global preparedness and ensures equitable protection against future pandemics. The outcome of the negotiations will be presented to the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (WHA) later this month, which will be asked to consider continuing the IGWG's work.

The IGWG will hold its seventh meeting from July 6-17, 2026. The WHO Pandemic Agreement was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2025 to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response efforts.