Released in advance of the Resumed Session of the Sixth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG 6; 27 April – 1 May 2026).
We are counting on Member States to use these extended negotiating days to land the final PABS Annex the world is waiting for. Rani has long been calling for policy action to match political promises – especially to right the egregious wrongs of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finalising PABS and advancing the entire Pandemic Agreement is critical to accelerating long-overdue action to prevent and prepare for the next pandemic threat.
Last week, rani and our partner Resilience Action Network Africa (RANA) convened over 50 advocates from around the world to discuss a path forward for PABS and the Pandemic Agreement. One message was clear: We must do everything we can to finalise an equity-focused PABS by the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (WHA) – to cement a more equitable system for access to countermeasures, to capitalise on waning political will in a turbulent geopolitical landscape, and to advance the many gains for equity included in other chapters of the Pandemic Agreement. Failure to finish PABS is not just a political setback but an acceptance of the status quo systems that failed during COVID-19, especially for the most vulnerable.
A PABS Annex that lays strong foundations – anchored in equity, accountability, and transparency, and supported by mechanisms for regular evaluation and improvement – is achievable. We all must be aligned behind this imperative. We urge Member States to stay focused both on landing an effective PABS and the need to deliver on the many other gains within the Pandemic Agreement – including for supply chains, R&D, clinical trials, surveillance, and coordinated financing – that have the potential to change the status quo. Success is possible this week.
