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Pandemic Treaty Talks Resume Amidst Ebola Urgency
6 Jul
Summary
- WHO member states are negotiating the final piece of the pandemic treaty.
- The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo adds urgency to treaty finalization.
- Disagreements persist between wealthy and developing nations on benefit sharing.
Member states of the World Health Organization convened on Monday, July 8, 2026, to finalize the crucial remaining element of the pandemic treaty. This latest effort to conclude the agreement, initially adopted in May 2025, is underscored by the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, declared in mid-May. The core of the ongoing negotiations centers on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, which governs the sharing of pathogens and the equitable distribution of benefits, such as vaccines and treatments.
Progress on finalizing the PABS annex has been notably slow, with significant disagreements persisting between wealthier and developing nations regarding its practical implementation. This current two-week session, running until July 17, 2026, marks the seventh round of intensive discussions. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency, referencing the Ebola outbreak and a recent hantavirus alert as stark reminders that pandemic threats can emerge unexpectedly from anywhere in the world. He urged delegates to maintain focus on achieving a future where pathogen information and benefits are shared swiftly and fairly.
