Knowledge Ecology International urges WHO to delink pathogen data access from benefit-sharing in PABS Annex, promoting open access for pandemic response.
Call to Delink Data Access from Benefit-Sharing in Pandemic Accord
As negotiations stall on the World Health Organization’s Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annex to the Pandemic Agreement, Knowledge Ecology International (KEI) has urged member states to delink access to pathogen data from benefit-sharing obligations. Adopted in principle in May 2025, the Pandemic Agreement remains pending ratification until the PABS Annex is finalized.
KEI argues that tying data sharing to downstream benefits—such as royalties or vaccine access—creates disincentives for timely, open exchange during outbreaks. Instead, it proposes a model where pathogen sequence data is shared freely and rapidly, while benefit-sharing is managed through separate, equitable mechanisms like technology transfer and tiered pricing.
For Indian stakeholders, this debate has implications on biosurveillance, research collaboration, and public health preparedness. A delinked system could enhance India’s access to global pathogen databases, while ensuring its contributions (e.g., from NIV or ICMR labs) are recognized. Legal frameworks around data sovereignty and IP waivers during health emergencies may need re-evaluation as India shapes its position in the final negotiations.
Citations
- WHO Pandemic Agreement (Draft), 2025
