Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to prolong negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Formal talks will resume from 27 April to 1 May, preceded by informal intersessional discussions, ahead of the annex’s planned review at the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May.

The choice to extend discussions highlights the determination of WHO Member States to finalize the PABS annex, which represents a central pillar of the broader WHO Pandemic Agreement.

The Pandemic Agreement was adopted by the World Health Assembly last year to address gaps revealed by the COVID-19 crisis and to reinforce international collaboration and fairness in preventing, preparing for, and responding to future pandemics.

“The Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system is fundamental to the WHO Pandemic Agreement, and I appreciate the dedication of Member States in advancing this work,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “I encourage all delegations to rely on mutual trust — trust in each other, in our institutions, and in our collective capacity to overcome differences in pursuit of the public good, solidarity, and equity.”

The PABS annex aims to establish a framework that ensures the timely sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential while guaranteeing that the resulting benefits — such as vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatments — are distributed fairly and equitably.

“Negotiators from Member States are working diligently to deliver an ambitious and equitable Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex in time for adoption at the World Health Assembly in May,” said IGWG Bureau Co-Chair Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil.

Over the past week, Member States held intensive discussions within the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Negotiations addressed several complex and interconnected topics, including how to define and allocate benefits arising from pathogen sharing, the structure of contractual arrangements supporting the PABS system, and the governance mechanisms required to ensure transparency, effectiveness, and alignment with the public interest.

“With fewer than two months remaining before the World Health Assembly convenes in May, I am encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by Member States this week to reach consensus on the remaining elements of the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system,” said IGWG Bureau Co-Chair Mr Matthew Harpur of the United Kingdom.

Member States recognized the constructive progress made so far, while acknowledging that additional time is necessary to resolve outstanding differences, finalize the text, and submit it for consideration by the World Health Assembly. They also reiterated their dedication to solidarity, multilateral cooperation, and the shared objective of building a safer and more equitable world in the face of future pandemics.