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EU Diplomat Warns Ideological Polarisation Threatens Pandemic Talks
Developing
In Short: The European Union's chief negotiator has warned that ideological differences are hindering progress in talks on an annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement, as the world faces multiple health crises.
On the eve of the eighth round of talks on an annex to the Pandemic Agreement, the European Union’s chief negotiator, Americo Zampetti, has warned that 'ideology' is blocking consensus.
Meanwhile, the world is grappling with multiple health crises, including the world’s fastest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the re-emergence of mpox, and the heightened risk of epidemics and pandemics due to rapid climate change.
Zampetti, speaking to Health Policy Watch, emphasized that ideological polarisation over pathogen access is threatening to derail the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
Despite the urgency of these issues, little progress has been made over the past year on the PABS annex, which is crucial for the implementation of groundbreaking clauses in the Pandemic Agreement, including mandatory donations of medical countermeasures during pandemics and public health emergencies.
What's still developing
- Member states must finalise the PABS annex before the Pandemic Agreement, adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2025, can be opened for member state ratification.
Sources
- Health Policy Watchlink