Threading the needle on Traceability within the PABS System – Promoting Equity and Science

Abstract Reconciling divergent positions on traceability of sequence information and open access to data will be key if the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing negotiations are to be concluded successfully. Convergence might be facilitated by considering related issues such as the risk of jurisdiction shopping, challenges with legal enforcement in scientific infrastructures, interoperability of data and databases, and capacity gaps in access and use of pathogen data in resource limited settings. We apply a scientific lens to provide eight recommendations that harness existing scientific infrastructure and suggest traceability measures that are compatible with open access to sequence information. These recommendations are intended to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response as well as the equitable sharing of benefits.