Pathogen access and benefit sharing in a pandemic: working towards fair exchange?

The Lancet Microbe 2026 Open access

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Authors: J Radeino Ambe, Anant Bhan, Blessing Silaigwana, Sofia Salas, Sarah Edwards
DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101376
Cited by: 2
References: 4

Abstract

The Pandemic Agreement was adopted by WHO member states in May, 2025.1 Driven by global inequities revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic, this Agreement provides a binding legal framework seeking to strengthen preparedness and response to future pandemics. Article 12 establishes the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) System, which governs the rapid sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential and their genetic sequence data, while ensuring the equitable distribution of resulting benefits and medical countermeasures.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Zoonotic diseases and public health COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing Global Security and Public Health

Publication details

Journal / source
The Lancet Microbe
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
7
Issue
5
Pages
101376–101376
Publication date
26 February 2026
Language
EN