Countries from the Global South are ramping up pressure on the European Union to conclude negotiations on the equity clause in the proposed global pandemic agreement, warning that fair access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies must be guaranteed before the deal is adopted.
The final round of negotiations, being held under the auspices of the World Health Organisation, is scheduled for April 27 to May 2, 2026, with equity provisions emerging as one of the most contentious issues.
Delegates from low- and middle-income countries argue that the agreement must correct the imbalances exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when wealthier nations secured the bulk of early vaccine supplies while developing countries struggled to access lifesaving interventions.
Negotiators from the Global South are calling for binding commitments on technology transfer, sustainable financing mechanisms and equitable distribution of medical countermeasures. They maintain that without enforceable guarantees, the proposed pact risks replicating the inequalities seen during previous global health emergencies.
Briefing the media, AHF Prevention Program Manager Clever Taderera emphasised that equity provisions must be clearly defined before adoption of the agreement.
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“If countries are going to share virus samples and data, they must also share the benefits that result from what they share,” Taderera said.
“The Pandemic Agreement should not move forward unless there are clear, enforceable equity rules in the PABS Annex that guarantee fair access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments during pandemics, PHEICs and the periods between them.”
He warned that adopting the agreement without addressing equity concerns would undermine trust among developing nations.
“Our position is to ensure the agreement is balanced for both the Global North and Global South,” Taderera added.
The proposed pandemic accord seeks to strengthen global preparedness, coordination and response mechanisms for future outbreaks. However, disagreements over intellectual property protections and access to life-saving technologies remain a major sticking point between developed and developing economies.
Representatives from the Global South say finalising the equity clause is critical not only for future pandemic responses but also for rebuilding confidence in global health governance, arguing that meaningful cooperation can only exist when all countries are assured fair protection regardless of economic status.
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