The World Health Organization (WHO) Member States have taken significant steps forward in negotiations related to the Pathogen Access and Benefit‐Sharing (PABS) system during a recent session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). This session, held from January 20 to 22, 2026, focused on refining the draft annex of the PABS system, a vital component of the agreement established by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2025.
Progress on Key Negotiations
During the resumed session, representatives from Member States engaged in text-based discussions aimed at resolving outstanding issues within the draft. They exchanged perspectives to narrow differences and identify areas of consensus. “I am encouraged by the progress we have made in several areas, with signs of emerging consensus for some parts of the Pathogen Access and Benefit‐Sharing system,” stated Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau.
Ambassador Nunes emphasized that as they approach the fifth session, attention will shift to the more complex issues that remain. The IGWG, established by the WHA, prioritizes the drafting and negotiation of the PABS system, which aims to facilitate the safe and transparent sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential, as well as their genetic sequence information. This system is designed to ensure that the benefits arising from the use of such pathogens—including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics—are shared equitably.
Constructive Engagement and Future Meetings
The recent 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,” remarked Mr. Matthew Harpur of the United Kingdom, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau. He expressed optimism about the collaboration among nations, stating that there is a shared commitment to bridging differences as the May deadline approaches.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted the importance of a robust PABS system. He stated, “A strong Pathogen Access and Benefit‐Sharing system will be a cornerstone of a safer and more equitable world. I thank countries for their commitment to multilateral solutions.”
Further sessions of the IGWG are scheduled in the coming months, as negotiations continue. The outcomes of these discussions will be presented to the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in May 2026 for consideration.
The advancement of the PABS system represents a critical effort to enhance global health security and ensure that resources and benefits derived from pathogen research are shared fairly among nations.
