VGMG Global Report Series · Global Health
【Lead】
More than three years after the World Health Assembly launched negotiations for a pandemic accord, deep disagreements over intellectual property, pathogen sample sharing, and financing have pushed the timeline for agreement into late 2026.
【The Core Dispute – The 20% Formula】
The most contentious issue remains the proposed “Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing” (PABS) system. A bloc of developing countries, led by South Africa and India, insists that any country providing a pathogen sample should receive guaranteed access to 20% of resulting diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics at affordable prices.
High-income countries, particularly Switzerland and the UK, have resisted binding commitments on technology transfer. A WHO legal advisor: “We are not just negotiating a document. We are negotiating the architecture of global solidarity. The trust deficit is wider than at any time since the HIV/AIDS era.”
【Surveillance and Early Warning】
The proposed accord would require states to share genomic sequence information within 48 hours of a confirmed novel pathogen. Some governments fear premature disclosure could trigger travel bans. A proposed 14-day “calibration period” has critics worried about containment delays.
【Financing and the Pandemic Fund】
The World Bank-hosted Pandemic Fund has raised less than half of its targeted $10 billion. A proposed levy on airline tickets or financial transactions has failed to gain traction.
【Risks of Fragmentation】
A group of mid-sized economies (Indonesia, Kenya, Canada) has proposed a parallel “Pandemic Resilience Compact.” A senior WHO official cautioned: “We cannot afford two worlds—one with pandemic protection and one without. Pathogens do not respect compacts or treaties.”
【Way Forward】
The INB reconvenes in May and September 2026. Diplomats suggest a “landing zone” may be possible if the 20% figure is replaced with a flexible sliding scale.