Malaysia calls for equal footing in WHO pandemic pact

Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan of Malaysia advocated for a balanced approach to virus sharing and benefit-sharing within the new global pandemic framework. He emphasized that true preparedness would not be complete without equity, as the framework must also respect national laws and state sovereignty. At a high-level gathering during the 81st UN General Assembly, member states adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement in May 2025, but discussions on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex are still ongoing.

The goal of the annex is to create a joint system for pathogen exchange and fair distribution of benefits, including vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatments derived from them. WHO member states are scheduled to hold their final round of negotiations later this month, with the results to be presented to the World Health Assembly in May 2027 or potentially at an emergency session in 2026.

Meanwhile, Malaysia is bolstering its own pandemic preparedness through the National Action Plan for Health Security 2025–2030, which addresses health-system readiness, disease monitoring, laboratory infrastructure, emergency coordination, and workforce readiness. The country also promotes a "One Health" strategy for managing health risks associated with food, water, and the environment, while investing in its capacity to research, develop, and produce vaccines and other essential health products via its National Vaccine Development Roadmap 2021–2030.

On financing, Hasan stressed that international pandemic-readiness funding should be sufficient, predictable, and responsive to public health risks and national requirements. He stressed that international mechanisms must supplement domestic investments, enhance national capabilities, and bolster universal healthcare coverage. The effectiveness of these efforts will be measured by the ability to detect threats earlier, contain them swiftly, and ensure equitable access to lifesaving tools.