WHO Advances Pathogen Access Ahead of Meeting on Pandemics

World Health Organization (WHO) member states concluded the eighth meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement last week, advancing negotiations on a proposed pathogen access and benefit-sharing (PABS) system that would underpin a faster and more equitable response to future pandemics.

The five-day meeting brought together governments and stakeholders in Geneva, where negotiations continued on the PABS annex, focusing on an equitable, feasible and implementable system.

The PABS annex is a central component of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2025. It aims to facilitate the rapid and timely sharing of materials and sequence information from pathogens with pandemic potential, and, on an equal footing, enable the rapid, timely, fair and equitable sharing of the vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics developed from their use.

The meeting took place as governments prepare for the Second United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response on Sept. 25 in New York. The high-level meeting is expected to bring together heads of state and government to reinforce political commitment to fighting future pandemics. The political declaration that will be tabled for adoption at the meeting calls for, among other things, the timely completion of the PABS annex.

“We made a promise after COVID-19 that we would not leave the world as vulnerable to the next pandemic as it was to the last,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general. “The progress made this week brings us closer to keeping that promise. As leaders prepare to meet at the United Nations General Assembly, the message from Geneva is clear: protecting future generations requires commitment, cooperation and urgency. Finalizing the PABS annex is essential for strengthening the world’s collective defenses against future pandemic threats.”

Finalizing the annex will pave the way for countries to sign and consider ratification of the Pandemic Agreement, strengthening global coordination and capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics.