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Pandemic Treaty Talks Extended, Future Uncertain
2 May
Summary
- Talks on pathogen-sharing rules for pandemic treaty extended.
- An agreement on pathogen access is crucial for treaty effect.
- The pandemic accord aims to improve global response to future pandemics.
Negotiations surrounding the pandemic treaty have been extended as World Health Organization member states continue discussions on pathogen-sharing rules. These talks are centered on establishing a system for the rapid sharing of potentially pandemic-causing pathogens, alongside equitable access to resultant vaccines, tests, and treatments. This crucial element, known as the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex, is a prerequisite for the pandemic accord, adopted in May 2025, to come into force. The treaty aims to enhance global preparedness and response to future health crises. Despite progress, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency, stating the next pandemic is inevitable. The outcome of these negotiations will be presented to the World Health Assembly later this month, with a possibility for continued talks until May 2027 or an earlier special session in 2026, as the PABS section was deferred during the initial adoption due to contentious debates.
