WHO PABS Negotiations: Progress on Pandemic Agreement & Pathogen Sharing

Negotiations are progressing toward a stronger framework for global health security as World Health Organization (WHO) Member States continue to refine the details of a crucial agreement designed to prepare for and respond to future pandemics. This week, representatives advanced discussions on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, a core component of the Pandemic Agreement adopted in May 2025.

The PABS system aims to establish a multilateral approach to sharing pathogen materials and genetic sequence information – the building blocks for developing vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics – even as ensuring fair and equitable access to the benefits that arise from their use. The resumed session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, held January 20-22, 2026, focused on text-based negotiations and identifying areas of common ground.

A System Built on Equity and Collaboration

The need for such an agreement became starkly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed significant gaps and inequities in global pandemic preparedness and response. The WHO Pandemic Agreement, and specifically the PABS system, seeks to address these shortcomings by fostering greater international cooperation and ensuring that the benefits of scientific advancements are shared more broadly. As Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, “A strong Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system will be a cornerstone of a safer and more equitable world.”

The PABS system, as outlined in briefing materials, is intended to enable the safe, transparent, and accountable sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential and their genetic sequence information. This includes not only the sharing of the pathogens themselves but also the benefits derived from their study, such as the development of new medical countermeasures.

Navigating Complexities in Pathogen Sharing

While progress has been made, significant challenges remain. Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes, of Brazil, and co-chair of the IGWG Bureau, noted that the focus is now shifting to “outstanding, complex issues.” These likely include questions surrounding intellectual property rights, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and the governance structures needed to ensure equitable access. The agreement aims to balance the need for rapid access to pathogens for research and development with the protection of intellectual property and the fair compensation of those who contribute to the discovery and development of new medical countermeasures.

The process of negotiating these details is intricate, requiring careful consideration of diverse national interests and priorities. The resumed session followed an extension of the fourth IGWG meeting in December 2025, indicating the commitment of Member States to accelerate progress. Mr. Matthew Harpur, of the United Kingdom and also a co-chair of the IGWG Bureau, emphasized the “willingness to work together and bridge differences” among Member States.

What the Agreement Means for Global Health Governance

The WHO Pandemic Agreement represents a significant step toward strengthening global health governance. As highlighted in a recent analysis from Georgetown University’s Global Health Initiative (The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance), the agreement also requires governments to enhance data collection and cooperate more closely with the WHO. However, the effectiveness of these provisions hinges on the successful implementation of the PABS system.

The agreement’s framework is built on principles of equity, solidarity, and respect for national sovereignty. So that while the agreement aims to promote greater international cooperation, it also recognizes the right of each country to make its own decisions regarding public health policy. The goal is to create a system that is both effective and respectful of national interests.

The Path Forward: Towards Ratification and Implementation

The next crucial step is for an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) to finalize the details of the PABS system, which will be annexed to the Agreement. Once this annex is adopted by the World Health Assembly, the full Agreement will be open for countries to sign and ratify according to their own constitutional processes. The agreement will officially enter into force 30 days after 60 countries have ratified it. This ratification process is a critical step in ensuring that the agreement becomes legally binding and enforceable.

Further meetings of the IGWG are scheduled in the coming months to continue negotiations. The outcome of the IGWG’s work will be submitted to the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in May 2026 for its consideration. This timeline underscores the urgency of the task at hand, as the world remains vulnerable to future pandemic threats.

Looking Ahead: Surveillance and Ongoing Review

Even after ratification, the work will not be complete. Ongoing surveillance and review will be essential to ensure that the PABS system is functioning effectively and that This proves adapting to evolving scientific knowledge and global health challenges. The WHO will play a key role in monitoring the implementation of the agreement and providing technical assistance to Member States. The success of the WHO Pandemic Agreement will depend on a sustained commitment to multilateralism and a willingness to learn from past experiences.