Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing negotiations

03 June 2026 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Preet Kaur Gill Lab Birmingham, Edgbaston

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Government supports extending negotiations on the new Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system by one year.
  • The final outcome of the negotiations is due by May 2027 or earlier if possible.
  • The next round of negotiations is scheduled for mid-July.

Issue summary

The statement discusses ongoing negotiations at the WHO's Intergovernmental Working Group for a new Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system.

Action requested

The Government supports an extension of one year to provide more negotiating time, with the final outcome due by May 2027 or earlier if necessary. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for mid-July.

Key facts

  • The IGWG held three rounds of negotiations since the last update on February 2nd.
  • Member States recommended an extension to negotiate until May 2027 at the 80th WHA or earlier by a special session in 2026.
  • Additional negotiating time is needed due to complex and technical issues.
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