Countries Make Progress on PABS: Why Pathogen Sharing is Crucial for Pandemic Preparedness

Global Unity: Countries Take Major Steps Towards Pandemic Preparedness

In a significant advancement in global health governance, member nations of the World Health Organization (WHO) have begun discussions on the draft annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which focuses on establishing a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system. This milestone was achieved during the recent Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) meeting held from November 3-7, 2025, in Geneva.

The PABS system is designed to facilitate the rapid sharing of pathogen information—a critical factor for developing pandemic countermeasures such as vaccines and treatments. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Solidarity is our best immunity." This collaborative approach signifies a collective commitment to enhancing global safety in the event of future pandemics.

Why Pathogen Sharing Matters

Pathogen sharing plays an essential role in identifying and responding to potential pandemic threats. In the past, sharing genomic information has yielded both benefits and challenges, as demonstrated in 2021 when South African scientists quickly disclosed data regarding a COVID-19 variant only to face immediate travel restrictions. This event underscores the complex relationship between global public health advocacy and national economic considerations.

The aim of the PABS system is twofold: to ensure timely sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential and to guarantee that sharing nations receive the benefits derived from their shared data. Addressing issues of fairness and equity is central to these discussions, especially as countries negotiate pathways to support one another in times of crisis.

Insights from Stakeholder Engagement

During the IGWG meeting, member countries engaged with various stakeholders, including civil society representatives and industry experts, to gather diverse perspectives on the PABS annex. Such dialogues are crucial, as they help ensure that the final PABS system will not only be operational but will also embody the values of equity and shared responsibility.

``Difficult decisions on making the world safer from the threat of future pandemics require difficult conversations," remarked Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil. These conversations lay the groundwork for fair and timely pandemic responses. The proposed draft aims to operationalize the commitments detailed in Article 12 of the Pandemic Agreement, which concerns equitable access to essential health tools.

Looking Ahead: Finalization and Adoption

The pathway to finalizing the PABS annex is aligned with critical timelines, as the completed document is set for submission at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in 2026. Ambassador Matthew Harpur of the United Kingdom highlighted the ongoing commitment from member states and their determination to enhance collective global health security.

Countries have already contributed 18 proposals regarding the PABS system, indicating a robust dialogue aimed at resolution. The journey towards a finalized agreement is not just bureaucratic—it is integral to preparing the world for unforeseen health crises.

Moreover, addressing complex topics such as intellectual property and technology transfer—including licensing agreements for pandemic remedies—remains a priority. Ensuring prompt access to vaccines and treatments for all nations, particularly developing countries, will be crucial to averting the challenges faced during past epidemics.

The Importance of Equitable Health Solutions

The foundation of fair sharing in health resources is crucial in this era of interconnected risks. As the future of global health security unfolds, the PABS system symbolizes hope—a hope that humanity can unite to face health challenges together. By sharing information and resources equitably, countries affirm their commitment to protecting public health for all, making it paramount to ensure that solutions work for everyone.

Ultimately, the successful implementation of a robust PABS system will allow the world to establish a response framework characterized by compassion and collaboration—a standard required to confront any future pandemic effectively.