Pandemic treaty talks stall as WHO members seek more time for key deals
World Health Organization (WHO) member states are pushing for more time to finalise key parts of the pandemic treaty. Talks have hit delays over funding, vaccine access and genetic data sharing. The WHO’s director-general has now called for faster progress on unresolved issues. Negotiations on the pandemic treaty’s PABS annex—the last major hurdle—have seen real advances but still face deep divisions. Developing nations are demanding stronger guarantees that vaccines and treatments will be shared fairly, even outside emergencies. Meanwhile, disagreements persist over how much pharmaceutical firms should contribute financially.
Access to genetic sequences of pathogens remains another major obstacle. Countries have asked for up to a year of extra talks to resolve these issues. Until the PABS annex is agreed, no nation can begin ratifying the treaty. The results of this week’s discussions will be presented at the WHO’s annual assembly in May 2026. Former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark has warned that the world remains largely unprepared for the next global health crisis.
The PABS annex is the final piece needed to complete the pandemic treaty and related WHO initiatives. Without agreement, ratification cannot begin. Member states now face pressure to bridge their differences before the 2026 assembly.
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