The second meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement took place on 15–19 September 2025. It started with a publicly webcast session with the participation of Relevant Stakeholders. On this occasion, the president of PREZODE General Assembly, and on behalf of the Initiative, Dr. Papa Seck, gave the following statement:
“PREZODE welcomes the launch of negotiations for a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system. Your work in the coming months will be decisive in strengthening global health security and preparing for the future.
We encourage a pragmatic, science and evidence-based approach, engaging experts and institutions across all sectors in a One Health spirit. Integrating scientific expertise into political and stakeholder dialogue will ensure the legitimacy and effectiveness of the process.
As highlighted by several Member States, it is essential not to overlook the One Health dimension. Pathogens most often emerge at the interface of animals, humans, and the environment. Prevention must therefore include surveillance and control of local outbreaks, rapid sharing of samples and genomic data, and stronger cross-sectoral collaboration.
We therefore call for One Health to be established as a central pillar of the PABS, to prevent and better manage future pandemics while ensuring fair and equitable sharing of the benefits of innovation.
To quote a colleague, PABS is not a technical aspect; it is the operational backbone of the Pandemic Treaty. Equity is not only a demand of developing countries or developed countries. It is a guarantee of security in the implementation of the Pandemic Treaty.”