WHO negotiators agree to extend pandemic talks for up to another year – POLITICO

During the last two years of talks, countries became entrenched in their positions on intellectual property and sharing vaccines and drugs in the next health crisis, making progress towards a meaningful deal seemingly impossible.

African countries initially pushed for a deal to be done this year, while the U.S. mooted a longer extension of “one to two years.”

A deal was originally due to be adopted this week but negotiators were unable to resolve their disagreements — namely on intellectual property and the sharing of drugs and vaccines — in time.

The resolution will also allow countries to rotate members of the bureau, the committee of officials moderating the talks.