WHO Pandemic Agreement and PABS System

Significant efforts are underway to finalize the world's first global pandemic agreement under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). The agreement aims to strengthen international cooperation to better respond to future pandemics. Currently, the most critical and still unresolved component of this agreement—the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS)—is undergoing intensive negotiations among member countries.

The fundamental objective of the PABS system is to ensure that when a country identifies a new pathogen, it shares its information and samples globally. In return, that country receives equitable and timely access to vaccines, medicines, and other health resources. The unequal distribution of resources during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for such a system. Ahead of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2026, scientists and civil society groups have expressed concern that the current draft could increase global risks if strict safety, accountability and fairness rules are not added.

WHO Pandemic Agreement

¨     It is the world’s first global treaty focused specifically on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

¨     It was adopted by consensus at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2025, after more than three years of negotiations launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.

¨     The agreement aims to strengthen the global health architecture through improved international coordination and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

Key Features

¨     Establishes principles and tools for stronger global cooperation during health emergencies.

¨     Emphasises equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products.

¨     Reinforces national sovereignty, explicitly stating that WHO cannot impose domestic policies such as lockdowns, travel bans, or vaccination mandates.

¨     Seeks to make the global response to future pandemics more collaborative, fair, and effective.

Legal Status and Entry into Force

¨     The agreement is the second international legal instrument negotiated under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, after the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2003).

¨     It will open for signature only after adoption of the PABS annex.

¨     The treaty will enter into force after 60 ratifications by Member States.

¨     Institutional and Implementation Mechanisms: The WHA resolution outlining the agreement also mandates key implementation structures:

¨     Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG): Established to draft and negotiate the PABS system and oversee preparatory steps for implementation.

¨ Coordinating Financial Mechanism: Intended to support pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities globally.

¨   Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL): Designed to ensure equitable, timely, and affordable access to pandemic-related health products during emergencies.

Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) System

¨     The PABS system is a core annex of the Pandemic Agreement currently under negotiation by the IGWG.

¨     It aims to address inequities exposed during COVID-19, when pathogen sharing did not translate into equitable access to vaccines and treatments.

Objectives

¨     Enable rapid sharing of pathogen samples and genetic sequence data during outbreaks.

¨     Ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics derived from shared data.

¨     Create a structured global mechanism linking pathogen access with benefit sharing.

Proposed Provisions

¨     Obligations for pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in PABS.

¨     Manufacturers would provide the WHO with rapid access to approximately 20% of real-time production of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics during pandemics.

¨     Distribution would be based on public health risk and need, with priority to developing countries.

¨ Applicability during public health emergencies of international concern, including pandemic events.