The World Health Organization (WHO) Member States have made significant strides in negotiations regarding the Pathogen Access and Benefit‐Sharing (PABS) system during a resumed session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). This session, held from January 20 to 22, 2026, marked a continuation of discussions on the draft annex of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which was adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2025.
Diplomats engaged in text-based discussions aimed at resolving outstanding issues, with a focus on narrowing differences and identifying areas of common ground. Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau, expressed optimism about the progress made, noting emerging consensus on certain aspects of the PABS system. “I am encouraged by the progress we have made in several areas,” he stated, adding that the upcoming fifth session would tackle the more complex issues that remain.
The PABS system is designed to facilitate the safe, transparent, and accountable sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential and their genetic sequence information. It also aims to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use, including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. The IGWG was established by the WHA with a priority to draft and negotiate this essential system.
The resumed session followed a request from Member States to extend the fourth meeting of the IGWG, which took place in December 2025. “Member States have engaged in constructive discussions this week,” stated Matthew Harpur, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau from the United Kingdom. He emphasized the collaborative efforts among countries to bridge differences as the deadline approaches in May.
Further meetings of the IGWG are scheduled in the coming months, allowing Member States to continue their negotiations. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, remarked, “A strong Pathogen Access and Benefit‐Sharing system will be a cornerstone of a safer and more equitable world.” He acknowledged the commitment of countries to multilateral solutions in addressing global health challenges.
The results of the IGWG’s negotiations will be presented to the Seventy‐ninth World Health Assembly in May 2026 for consideration. As countries work towards finalizing the PABS system, the outcome holds significant implications for global health security and the equitable distribution of resources in the face of future pandemics.
