Global Commitment to Health and Safety Highlighted as International Talks on Pandemic Preparedness Continue

Negotiations among Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex—one of the most critical components of the global Pandemic Agreement—are continuing with the aim of strengthening health, safety, and preparedness of public health systems against future crises. This development is of particular importance from an HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) perspective and holds significant relevance for countries including Iran.

According to official sources, the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the WHO Pandemic Agreement (IGWG), mandated to draft the PABS annex, concluded in Geneva following a week of intensive and constructive negotiations. Discussions focused on the rapid identification of pathogens, the safe exchange of genetic sequence data, and equitable access to scientific and medical benefits.

HSE experts emphasize that timely access to genetic data and the secure sharing of laboratory samples play a critical role in pandemic prevention, biological risk management, and the protection of healthcare and laboratory personnel. Such measures are essential for accelerating the development of diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccines, ultimately reducing human casualties and social impacts during health emergencies.

The WHO has stated that the PABS system is designed to advance health equity by facilitating the rapid exchange of pathogen materials and data, while ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from scientific research. This approach aligns closely with HSE principles, particularly in the areas of biosafety management and emergency preparedness.

WHO officials have acknowledged that while some differences remain among Member States, there is a shared determination to reach a final agreement. Negotiations are set to resume next month, with the outcome expected to be presented at the upcoming World Health Assembly.

Health policy analysts note that effective implementation of the Pandemic Agreement and its annex could bring substantial benefits for countries such as Iran, particularly in strengthening national HSE systems, enhancing biosafety standards, improving healthcare readiness, and safeguarding the health workforce.

translation by:DGS