Countries Progress Negotiations on WHO Pandemic Agreement

This week, Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) advanced their negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system during a resumed session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The PABS system is a crucial element of the agreement adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2022.

From January 20 to 22, 2026, Member States engaged in text-based negotiations focused on addressing unresolved issues in the draft annex while sharing perspectives to minimize differences and identify areas of consensus.

"I am encouraged by the progress we have made in various areas, with indications of emerging consensus on certain aspects of the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system,” said IGWG Bureau co-chair Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes from Brazil. "As we look towards the fifth session, we will concentrate on the outstanding, complex issues. The resumed session has provided us with a clearer understanding of our current status."

Established by the WHA, the IGWG is tasked with drafting and negotiating the PABS system. This system aims to ensure the safe, transparent, and responsible sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential and their genetic sequence information, while also guaranteeing equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use, such as vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

The resumed session was convened at the request of Member States to extend the fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG), which occurred in December 2025.

"Member States have participated in constructive discussions this week," stated IGWG Bureau co-chair Mr. Matthew Harpur from the United Kingdom. "As we progress toward the May deadline, I am heartened by their collaborative efforts to reconcile differences and establish an effective Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system."

Further IGWG meetings are planned for the upcoming months as Member States continue their negotiations.

“A robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system will serve as a cornerstone for a safer and more equitable world,” remarked Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “I appreciate the commitment of countries towards multilateral solutions.”

The results of the IGWG’s work will be presented to the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in May 2026 for consideration.