WHO pandemic deal in peril as nations clash over vaccine access, data sharing

Global efforts to finalise a pandemic preparedness agreement are at risk of collapse after negotiations at the World Health Organisation (WHO) ended in deadlock, with countries divided over vaccine access, technology sharing and pathogen data rules, POLITICO reports.

Talks in Geneva aimed at securing a legally binding framework for future pandemic response have stalled after three years of negotiations, exposing deep divisions between higher- and lower-income countries.

At the centre of the dispute is whether access to vaccines and medicines should be guaranteed in exchange for sharing pathogen samples and data — a mechanism seen as critical to rapidly developing treatments during global health emergencies.

Low- and middle-income countries, grouped under the “Group for Equity”, are demanding binding commitments to ensure fair distribution of vaccines and, in some cases, access to manufacturing know-how. Several nations, including South Africa, are pushing for stronger provisions that would enable domestic production of vaccines.

Developed countries, which host major pharmaceutical firms, argue such requirements could undermine incentives for innovation and slow the development of life-saving technologies. They favour a system that prioritises rapid data sharing while protecting intellectual property frameworks.

The disagreement echoes earlier tensions during the COVID-19 pandemic over intellectual property waivers, with little progress made in reconciling positions.

The absence of a deal raises concerns that the world could face future pandemics without guaranteed mechanisms for sharing critical data or ensuring equitable access to vaccines.

Although negotiators have scheduled a final round of talks from late April ahead of the May deadline, diplomats have expressed scepticism about reaching consensus in time. Some warn that further delays could weaken global preparedness and strain already limited diplomatic resources.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to overcome divisions, calling for trust and solidarity to secure an agreement that would strengthen global health security.

Without a breakthrough, member states may be forced to extend negotiations once again, prolonging uncertainty over one of the most significant global health accords since the COVID-19 crisis.

By Aghakazim Guliyev