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Negotiations on an Annex to the Pandemic Agreement on a new Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system
22 October 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
At a Glance
Issue Summary
Zubir Ahmed updates the UK Parliament on the progress of negotiations to develop a new Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system as an Annex to the World Health Organization's Pandemic Agreement.
Action Requested
The Member State-led Intergovernmental Working Group will continue formal negotiations in November, with regular meetings until May 2026. The outcome of these negotiations will be reported at the next World Health Assembly in May 2026.
Key Facts
- A new PABS system is being developed to provide life sciences companies faster access to pathogens for vaccine creation.
- The UK and Brazil co-chair the Bureau overseeing the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG).
- Formal negotiations will continue with a meeting in November, followed by regular meetings until May 2026.
- Member States agreed to report on negotiation outcomes at the next World Health Assembly in May 2026.
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