Why countries are fast-tracking talks on the WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by WHO, click this post to read the original article.

WHO Member States have concluded a round of negotiations on the first-ever global Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, aimed at improving how the world shares and benefits from pathogen-related data. These discussions took place during the fourth Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) meeting on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, held from December 1–5, 2025, in Geneva. While the latest meeting ended without a finalized agreement, you’ll be interested to know that countries agreed to continue discussions in January 2026, highlighting their shared commitment to pandemic preparedness.

This PABS system is being designed to create a transparent and fair global platform for sharing pathogens and their genetic information, alongside the benefits stemming from their use. By establishing such a system, you could expect a more coordinated and equitable response during future pandemics. The IGWG was tasked by the World Health Assembly to prioritize the development of the PABS framework as part of a broader pandemic agreement.

Leaders from the IGWG, such as Co-Chairs Matthew Harpur of the UK and Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil, expressed optimism about the progress made. They underlined the shared commitment of countries to find common ground and advance the draft toward a balanced and effective outcome. Their collective goal is to present a strong framework for approval at the next World Health Assembly in 2026.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the initiative a “generational opportunity and responsibility.” He urged countries to maintain momentum and reach a consensus that can ensure quicker and fairer global responses in future health emergencies. Meanwhile, informal consultations with stakeholders like labs, academics, and private industry are continuing to shape the ongoing talks before the resumed session in January and the fifth IGWG meeting scheduled for February 9–14, 2026.