India roots for benefits system at pandemic agreement talks
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Policies of other countries affecting India· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
India and the Group for Equity are advocating for legally enforceable benefit-sharing agreements within the WHO Pandemic Agreement to ensure developing nations receive fair benefits from shared pathogen data.
Background
The WHO Pandemic Agreement, adopted in May 2025, aims to establish a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system. The agreement is expected to be finalized by 2026 and requires ratification by member states to enter into force.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyWHO: World Health Organization
- FactPABS: Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system established under the WHO Pandemic Agreement
- FactThe WHO Pandemic Agreement was adopted in May 2025
- FactGroup for Equity: A coalition of developing countries advocating for fair benefit-sharing in pathogen data sharing
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system in ensuring global health equity and addressing the North-South divide in pandemic preparedness.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Equity gap: Ensuring developing nations receive affordable vaccines and therapeutics in exchange for genetic sequence data
- Legal enforceability: Transitioning from voluntary cooperation to binding contracts for pathogen material sharing
- Sovereignty vs. Global Health: Balancing national data security with the collective need for rapid pandemic response
Keywords: Global Health Governance · Pathogen Sharing · Benefit-Sharing · Health Equity · Pandemic Preparedness
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