WHO Optimistic About Missing Piece of Pandemic Treaty

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed optimism on Friday that member countries are on track to finalize the crucial missing element of the pandemic treaty, which will determine the terms for sharing vaccines.

In April, WHO member states reached a historic agreement on pandemics aimed at addressing future health crises, following more than three years of negotiations triggered by the shock of COVID-19.

This agreement seeks to prevent the disorganized responses and global panic that characterized the COVID-19 pandemic by improving global coordination and surveillance, as well as access to vaccines during future pandemics.

However, the core of the treaty, the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) mechanism, was set aside to allow for the conclusion of the agreement.

Countries have an additional year to define the implementation framework of this system.

The PABS mechanism focuses on sharing access to pathogens with pandemic potential, followed by sharing the benefits that arise, such as vaccines, tests, and treatments.

Countries aim to finalize the PABS system by the next World Health Assembly in mid-May.

The annual assembly of member states serves as the decision-making body of the WHO. "This is both an opportunity and a responsibility for an entire generation," stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus after a week of negotiations among countries.

"As we approach the end of this year, we are well-positioned to reach a consensus, finalize the project, and prepare for its adoption at the next World Health Assembly," he emphasized.

Countries will resume their fourth round of negotiations from January 20 to 22. Once the PABS system is finalized, the entire agreement can be ratified by member states: 60 ratifications are required for the treaty to come into effect.

"I am encouraged by the progress made to enable a quicker and fairer global response to future pandemics," said Matthew Harpur, co-chair of the negotiations.

Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes (Brazil), also co-chair, added: "We are confident that we can build a robust and balanced PABS system that will benefit everyone."