Global commitment on display as countries negotiate key annex to the Pandemic Agreement

18th February 2026

Summary: On 17 February 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Member States concluded the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) focused on negotiating the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex — a key component of the WHO Pandemic Agreement adopted in May 2025. The PABS system under discussion is designed to enable rapid, transparent and equitable sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential and related genetic sequence data, alongside fair access to resulting benefits such as diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. Delegations highlighted constructive engagement and a shared sense of purpose, while acknowledging remaining issues to resolve before the negotiations resume in the lead-up to the World Health Assembly in May 2026. The overall push underscores a continued global commitment to strengthening cooperation and equity in future pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

Link: https://www.who.int/news/item/17-02-2026-global-commitment-on-display-as-countries-negotiate-key-annex-to-the-pandemic-agreement

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