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9 July 2026

WHO pandemic treaty negotiations

The WHO pandemic treaty and the PABS mechanism represent a significant multilateral global health governance framework that directly impacts India's interests in vaccine equity and international health cooperation.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • WHO member states are negotiating the operational mechanism of the pandemic treaty, specifically the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system.
  • The pandemic treaty was adopted in May 2025, but the PABS mechanism was deferred for later finalization.
  • The PABS system aims to facilitate the rapid sharing of pathogen samples and information while ensuring equitable access to vaccines, tests, and treatments.
  • The current negotiations represent the seventh round of talks, with a deadline set for July 17.
  • The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resulted in 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths, highlighting the urgency of the treaty.
  • Negotiations are currently stalled due to disagreements between wealthy and developing nations regarding the implementation of the PABS annex.
  • The treaty aims to prevent disjointed international responses to future pandemics by improving global coordination and surveillance.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system in the context of global health security and the challenges in achieving consensus among member states. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in international health governance. In light of the ongoing WHO pandemic treaty negotiations, evaluate the role of international cooperation in ensuring equitable access to medical countermeasures during global health emergencies. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. What is the primary objective of the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system currently being negotiated under the WHO pandemic treaty?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-09/who-pandemic-treaty-negotiations