Cape Town, South Africa — A pivotal phase of negotiations at the World Health Organization (WHO) has commenced, focusing on the resolution of disputes surrounding the equitable access to vaccines and the sharing of pathogens under the proposed Pandemic Treaty. These discussions, which commenced following the COVID-19 crisis, are aimed at addressing the disparities that emerged during past health emergencies, particularly concerning the distribution of life-saving tools.
The talks, a focal point during World Immunisation Week, have exposed a rift between developed and developing nations over the establishment of rules for vaccine and treatment access, as well as the sharing of pathogen samples and genetic data.
The proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit — Sharing (PABS) system is intended to ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments, yet the proposed ‘hybrid’model for sharing information and benefits has faced resistance from developing nations. Developing countries are advocating for binding mandatory rules to ensure vaccine and treatment access for poorer countries, a stance opposed by wealthier nations, which propose a ‘hybrid’model that combines mandatory and voluntary measures. This discrepancy has sparked concerns among civil society groups about the potential for perpetuating the inequities witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Africa, among other developing nations, is pressing for guaranteed access to tools for vaccine production in the Global South, emphasizing the need for intellectual property rights waivers and technology transfer. This underscores the broader issue of global health governance and the imperative for a more equitable approach to sharing resources and knowledge.
The ongoing negotiations are set against the backdrop of the revised International Health Regulations (IHR), which entered into force in September 2025, reflecting a global commitment to cooperation in the face of public health emergencies.
The IHR amendments are designed to enhance the ability of countries to detect, assess, and respond to public health risks, including pandemics.
As the talks continue, the international community is closely monitoring the progress, hoping for a compromise that balances the interests of both developed and developing nations.
The outcome of these negotiations will have profound implications for global health security and the ability to respond to future health emergencies.
The WHO Pandemic Agreement, adopted in May 2025, represents a significant step towards improving global pandemic preparedness and response.
The successful implementation of the PABS system will hinge on the member states’ability to reconcile their differing priorities and interests.
As World Immunisation Week underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases, the negotiations at the WHO highlight the necessity for a coordinated and equitable global approach to public health.
The world awaits the conclusion of these talks with a keen interest in the future of global health security and vaccine access.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: moroccoworldnews
Source: Zayneb Elasraoui
