The World Health Organization (WHO) has hit a major roadblock ahead of the upcoming World Health Assembly.
Member states failed to agree on the crucial Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex, leaving the long-negotiated landmark pandemic accord in limbo (Taylor, 2026).
Developing nations argue that sharing virus samples and genetic data must guarantee equitable access to resulting vaccines and treatments, a point resisted by wealthier drug manufacturing nations.
Global health experts warn the stalemate leaves humanity vulnerable to the next unexpected health threat.
