Future pandemic response: WHO announces creation of PABS

Following three years characterised by negotiations and a final debate, member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) have approved a new agreement to prevent and combat future pandemics. The agreement establishes a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System (PABS), a registry of pathogens and health products resulting from their use. The PABS will facilitate data sharing with pharmaceutical companies and accelerate work on products to combat the pandemic, such as diagnostic tests and vaccines. The agreement aims to “prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics”, respecting the “sovereign right” of States, and action will be inspired by the principles of “equity, solidarity and transparency” while public health decisions must be based on the “best available scientific and factual data.” Countries are invited to strengthen their pandemic prevention and surveillance capacities, taking into account national and regional circumstances. The transfer of technology to any state will be subject to mandatory exclusion, and the imposition of travel bans or vaccination requirements will be subject to individual country decisions. The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed his approval of the agreement, which is to be deliberated at the forthcoming World Health Assembly in May 2025.