What's happened
Negotiators have missed a key deadline for finalising the global pandemic treaty, with the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex still unresolved. The canons aim to ensure rapid pathogen sharing alongside guaranteed access to vaccines, tests and treatments, but remaining disputes threaten the agreement's entry into force.
What's behind the headline?
Key dynamics
- The stall centers on balancing data/samples sharing with equitable access to medical products.
- Global south groups are pushing for binding access and technology transfer; Europe and some high-income nations fear stifled R&D.
- The delay risks undermining the treaty’s credibility and the broader system of global health governance.
Implications for readers
- If unresolved, countries may face delays in timely access to vaccines and treatments during outbreaks.
- Expect further negotiations at the next World Health Assembly window, with 2027 as a potential target for resolving PABS.
What to watch
- Whether a hybrid model that mixes mandatory and voluntary provisions gains traction.
- How public health voices in lower-income countries influence leverage in the talks.
How we got here
Negotiations for a WHO-backed pandemic treaty have stretched for years. A core feature, the PABS annex, seeks to formalise how countries share pathogen data and samples and how benefits such as vaccines and treatments are allocated. Despite a May 2025 adoption of the main treaty, PABS remains mired in disagreement between developed and developing blocs, with several European and global south positions outlined in recent statements.
Our analysis
The Guardian has highlighted missed deadlines and ongoing negotiations around PABS, noting the line between equity and innovation. Reuters provides procedural context on the annex and the May 2025 main treaty adoption. Both stress the urgency and potential timelines for forthcoming sessions.
Go deeper
- What’s the next scheduled session where PABS could be finalised?
- How might a hybrid PABS model affect vaccine access in low-income countries?
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