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WHO member states agreed to continue negotiations on the PABS annex, one of the core components of the Pandemic Agreement. Following informal interim meetings, discussions will resume between April 27 and May 1.

The PABS system aims to ensure the rapid sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential and the fair and equitable distribution of resulting benefits, including vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of trust and solidarity, stating: “Trust that we can overcome our differences for the common good, solidarity, and equity.”

Last week, member states held intensive discussions within the framework of the WHO Pandemic Agreement Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). The discussions covered the definition and distribution of benefits, contractual arrangements, and governance mechanisms to ensure the system’s transparency and effective functioning.

IGWG Co-Chair from Brazil, Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes, stated: “Member states are working intensively to prepare an ambitious and equitable PABS annex for adoption at the World Health Assembly in May.”

IGWG Co-Chair from the United Kingdom, Matthew Harpur, highlighted the importance of reaching consensus on remaining issues, noting that the commitment shown ahead of the Assembly is encouraging.

While assessing the progress achieved so far, member states reaffirmed their commitment to solidarity and multilateral cooperation, aiming to establish a safer and more equitable global framework to address future pandemics.