• WHO IGWG resumed negotiations on PABS system for pandemic agreement. • Session 20‑22 Jan 2026 focused on narrowing differences in draft annex. • Emerging consensus on parts of PABS, but complex issues remain. • PABS aims to enable safe, transparent sharing of pathogens and equitable benefit distribution. • Member states urged to meet May deadline, showing constructive collaboration. • Further IGWG meetings planned to finalize agreement before WHA adoption.
Article Summaries:
- In a resumed session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on 20-22 January 2026, WHO Member States advanced negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit‑Sharing (PABS) system, a core element of the WHO Pandemic Agreement adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2025. Text‑based discussions narrowed differences on the draft annex, with emerging consensus on several provisions. IGWG co‑chairs from Brazil and the United Kingdom highlighted constructive progress and the need to tackle remaining complex issues before the fifth session. The IGWG’s final draft will be submitted to the 79th WHA in May 2026 for approval.
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