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Trump 'immediately' imposes 25% tariffs on countries that do business with Iran, including China
The announcement appears to mean goods from China, a major trading partner of both Iran and the United States, would become significantly more expensive to import.
The biggest global risk in 2026? Eurasia Group points to the U.S.
Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer says political instability in the United States now poses a greater global risk than China or Russia.
Trump says countries doing business with Iran face 25% tariff
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country that does business with Iran will be subjected to a tariff rate of 25% on any business conducted with the United States.
Trump Says Countries Doing Business With Iran Face 25% Tariff
WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country that does business with Iran will be subjected to a tariff rate of 25% on any business conducted with the United States. "Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic ...
Trump is pledging to ‘rescue’ protesters in Iran. He has a selective view of the sanctity of protests.
President Donald Trump billed strikes on Venezuela earlier this month as being about drugs, gangs invading the United States and law enforcement – i.e. arresting indicted leader Nicolás Maduro. But of late, he seems conspicuously preoccupied with the country’s oil wealth.
Cali Moving and Storage Opens in Carlsbad to Support Local Residents and Businesses
SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, January 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Cali Moving and Storage, a professional moving
Britain's JD Sports launches AI commerce in key US market
British sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion said on Monday customers in the United States, its largest market, will be able to use AI platforms to search for and purchase its products.
Inside Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Public Health Policies
At the start of the new year, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services formally recommended fewer vaccines for American children and offered a new approach to nutrition with a revamped food pyramid. So what does it all mean for public health police in the United States? NBC’s Anne Thompson reports in this week’s Sunday Focus.
Apple Issues Major Warning to 800 Million iPhone Users
The Apple iPhone is the most popular mobile phone line in the United States and one of the most popular series of devices in the world with an estimated 1.6 billion iPhone users across the globe. Unfortunately, many of those users are now at risk. Over the past few weeks, Apple has been issuing a ...
US will take Greenland the ‘hard way’ if it can’t do it the ‘easy way,’ Trump says
President Donald Trump continued his threats towards Greenland on Friday, as he insisted that if the United States did not act Russia or China would occupy it in the future.
Venezuela releases imprisoned political figures and activists, which Trump says U.S. requested
President Donald Trump said in a TV interview the releases came at the request of the United States and praised the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
December Deals: US Signs Bilateral Health Agreements With 14 African Countries – With Some Key Exceptions
Over December, the United States signed bilateral health co-operation agreements with 14 African countries, setting out the parameters for aid in exchange for
Tampa named top 5 for business headquarters | FOX 13 Tampa Bay
A life-saving business is eyeing Tampa as its new United States headquarters. It comes after Tampa was named a top destination to set up business headquarters by a Site Selection survey. FOX 13's Danielle Zulkosky reports.
AquaFence considers move to Tampa as city named among top 5 for business headquarters in survey
A life-saving business is eyeing Tampa as its new United States headquarters.
Roger Arliner Young | Black Zoologist, Women in Science, Women of Color, Race, & Fellowship
Roger Arliner Young was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in zoology in the United States and is known for her biological research and teaching as well as social activism.
Tampa Ranks in Top 5 for Business Headquarters
Tampa Ranks in Top 5 for Business HeadquartersTampa is kicking off the New Year with another top national ranking.Site Selection Magazine placed Tampa in the top five cities in the United States for businesses to set up headquarters.
Trump pulls US out of key climate treaty, science body
President Donald Trump is withdrawing the United States from a foundational climate treaty as part of a sweeping exit from the UN system.
Nvidia’s China Chip Sales: Great Business, Even Better Foreign Policy
If Nvidia can fulfill its role as crucial supplier to a world that includes China, the United States will be safer consequently.
Trump Says U.S. Oversight of Venezuela Could Last For Years
In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, President Trump said “only time will tell” when it comes to how long the United States aims to control the country.
President Trump Is Officially 'Warning' All 32 NFL Teams
The President of the United States is officially "warning" all 32 teams across the National Football League. President Trump, 79, is not happy with the Baltimore Ravens firing John Harbaugh. He's warning both the Ravens - and the rest of the league - that they will be making a big mistake if they ...
Regeneron Science Talent Search: 33 Long Island students named semifinalists
The number of winners is an historic low for the Island but still higher than any other region in the United States.
Trump’s credibility problem on Venezuela
In 2008, Donald Trump took to CNN to bemoan the dangers of a president lying the United States into war.
Community Service, Small Business, and Youth Entrepreneurship Strengthen Tampa’s Local Economy
Community events in Tampa highlighted support for healthcare workers, small businesses, youth entrepreneurship through public engagement & private sponsorship. TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES, January 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Across the United States, progress is shaped not only by public policy, but by the everyday efforts of healthcare workers, small-business owners, educators, families, and young people. […]
Jan. 6, 2021: Five Years Later : The NPR Politics Podcast
Five years ago, a mob attacked the United States Capitol as lawmakers were working to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. NPR's investigations team has been cataloging and maintaining an archive of documents, videos & court testimony related to the insurrection. We take a look at the aftermath of the events, including how President Trump and his allies are trying to rewrite the history of what happened.Listen to NPR's investigation into what happened on Jan. 6, 2021.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and investigative correspondent Tom Dreisbach.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Trump aide Stephen Miller says US could seize Greenland in interview
'Nobody’s going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland,' the Trump aide said.
Here’s the science behind nuclear weapons testing
Nuclear weapons haven’t been tested in the United States since 1992. Find out why, and what could happen if the hiatus ends.
Flu reaches highest levels in 25 years, likely to get worse, health officials say
Flu activity in the United States has reached the highest levels seen in 25 years, and health officials say the severe flu season is likely to get worse.
Flu reaches highest levels in 25 years, likely to get worse, health officials say
Flu activity in the United States has reached the highest levels in 25 years.
1926: 100 years ago - life in the U.S., entertainment, famous firsts, more
Each January we do a 100-year-lookback. Here’s a snapshot of what life was like in 1926 – in Cleveland, Ohio, the United States and the world, from entertainment to news, disasters and more.
International politics expert Hugo Acha discusses Venezuelan conflict on Local 10
All eyes are on Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States.
Colorado political science expert weighs implications of U.S. arrest of Venezuela’s Maduro
The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces is raising questions about what comes next for Venezuela and the United States.
Maduro arrives in U.S. after capture; Trump will let U.S. 'run' Venezuela
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has arrived in the United States to face criminal charges.
Political science expert reacts to Maduro capture
The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces is raising questions about what comes next for Venezuela and the United States. A Southern Colorado political science professor said the move could signal a shift toward a more aggressive United States foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere, while also raising legal and constitutional concerns about the operation and its long term impact.
Salt Cave Inc. Highlights Salt Caves as a Strategic Business Expansion for the New Year
Businesses increasingly add salt caves as wellness services while planning long-term growth and client engagement strategies. ORLEANS, MA, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — As businesses conclude the year and prepare for growth in the year ahead, many owners in the wellness, healthcare, hospitality, and fitness industries are reassessing service expansions that offer long-term […]
In Toppling Maduro, Trump Risks Blowback from ‘America First’ Base
President Trump’s pledge that the United States would “run” Venezuela for an indefinite period showed he is willing to enter foreign conflicts he once promised to end.
Venezuelan Academic Calls Maduro’s Capture a ‘Milestone in International Politics and in Latin America’
President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States […]
Ben Nighthorse Campbell was a Colorado original
One day in 1982, Ben Nighthorse Campbell walked into a political caucus in Colorado to kill time after thunderstorms grounded his flight. He ended up volunteering to run for office that day and wound up serving two terms as a state legislator, three more in Congress and 12 years as a United States senator. Campbell, […]
WATCH: Trump says U.S. is 'going to run' Venezuela until transition of power after capturing Maduro
Trump addressed the nation after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him out of the country in a military operation early in the day that plucked a sitting leader from office.
US researchers reflect on how 2025’s science cuts have changed their lives
Carrie McDonough, Carnegie Mellon University; Brian G. Henning, Gonzaga University; Cara Poland, Michigan State University; Nathaniel M. Tran, University of Illinois Chicago; Rachael Sirianni, UMass Chan Medical School, and Stephanie J. Nawyn, Michigan State University From beginning to end, 2025 was a year of devastation for scientists in the United States. January saw the abrupt […]
Trump: U.S. will ‘run’ Venezuela until safe transition
President Trump held a press conference after the United States said it captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Russia files diplomatic request asking US to stop pursuing oil tanker
Russia filed a formal diplomatic request that the United States stop pursuing an oil tanker originally bound for Venezuela that has evaded US custody for almost two weeks, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN.
US health insurance costs to rise by 114% for millions as subsidies expire
More than 20 million people in the United States will face sharply higher health insurance costs as of January 1 after enhanced tax credits that helped enrollees in the Affordable Care Act afford coverage…
Top Science Stories Of 2025
Written by: Nicola Jones for Knowable Magazine 2025 was a year of turmoil for many scientists — particularly in the United States, where job cuts and budget slashing have left […]
12 African countries the US has signed $16 billion in health agreements with
The United States has allocated over $16 billion in health agreements with African countries during Trumps presidency
Tom Steyer: ‘We need single-payer health care’
Billionaire and California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer (D) on Tuesday said the United States needs a single-payer health care system. “Bernie Sanders was right. We need single-payer he…
It’s been a difficult year for science. Here’s what researchers say about the future : Short Wave
Science in the United States took some big hits this year. The Trump Administration disrupted federal funding for all kinds of scientific pursuits. Administration officials say those changes were a step towards reinvigorating federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health. But many scientists disagree. NPR health and science correspondents Rob Stein and Katia Riddle chat with host Emily Kwong about what these cuts could mean for the future of science.Interested in more stories on the future of science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Advancing the America First Global Health Strategy Through a Landmark Bilateral Global Health MOU with Côte d’Ivoire - United States Department of State
Under the America First Global Health Strategy, the United States is refocusing global health assistance to protect the American people from infectious disease threats, while ending open-ended dependency on U.S. taxpayers. That approach is being put into action through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that require U.S. assistance recipients to invest their own resources and take […]
US commits $480m in health funding to Ivory Coast, the latest to sign 'America First' health deals
The United States and Ivory Coast have signed a health deal that would require the U.S. to commit $480 million to the West African nation’s health sector.
US commits $480m in health funding to Ivory Coast, the latest to sign 'America First' health deals
The United States and Ivory Coast signed a health deal Tuesday requiring the U.S. to commit $480 million to the West African nation’s health sector as part of “America First” global health funding pacts that mirror the Trump administration’s foreign policy. It is the latest agreement the U.S. has entered with more than a dozen African countries, most of them hit by U.S. aid cuts, including Ivory Coast.
US Commits $480m in Health Funding to Ivory Coast, the Latest to Sign 'America First' Health Deals
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — The United States and Ivory Coast signed a health deal Tuesday requiring the U.S. to commit $480 million to the West African nation’s health sector as part of “America First” global health funding pacts that mirror the Trump administration’s foreign policy. The signing in ...
Experts Question Denmark’s Vaccine Program as a Model for the U.S.
The United States is expected to adopt the vaccine schedule used by Denmark, a much smaller country with universal health care.
4 more African nations secure $2.3bn US health funding under America First strategy
The United States has signed four new Global Health Cooperation Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Ethiopia, Botswana, Sierra Leone and Madagascar, marking a major expansion of Washington’s health engagement in Africa under President Donald Trump’s America First Global Health Strategy
US contemplates sending more resources to forcibly board oil tanker near Venezuela
The United States hasn’t given up its pursuit of the massive, rusted oil tanker it chased into international waters near Venezuela last weekend, and officials are now contemplating moving additional resources into the area to forcibly board the ship, people familiar with the matter said.
Clean energy is surging despite political attacks. But a slowdown may be looming
Over the past year, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans have waged a sweeping campaign against America's renewable energy industry. At least for now, though, clean energy is still booming in the United States.
Energy And Entertainment Mergers Now Take Center Stage
On December 7, 2025, Constellation Energy settled a lawsuit previously filed against it by the United States Department of Justice and the State of Texas. The settlement has had the effect of...
Advancing the America First Global Health Strategy Through Landmark Bilateral Global Health MOUs - United States Department of State
On December 22 and 23, the United States signed four additional new, landmark global health Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Ethiopia, reinforcing U.S. leadership that delivers measurable results for the American people and puts America First by directly countering global infectious disease threats and reducing foreign dependence on U.S. taxpayers. […]
See photos of sports fans dressed as the Grinch ahead of Christmas
Sports fans across the United States got into the holiday spirit by dressing as their favorite Dr. Seuss character.
Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit against New York's 'Green Light Law'
The law allows the DMV to issue standard driver’s licenses to individuals without Social Security numbers and "regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States."
Science funding was hit in 2025. What does that mean for the future? : Consider This from NPR
2025 was a hard year for science. The Trump administration upended federal funding for all kinds of scientific pursuits, slashing budgets across agencies like NASA, NIH and NOAA. NPR's Rob Stein and Katia Riddle spoke to scientists and officials who worry that those cuts could cause the United States to lose its competitive edge as a global hub for research and innovation, and steer future generations away from careers in science. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Michael Levitt, with audio engineering by Zo vanGinhoven. It was edited by Sarah Handel, Scott Hensley and Amina Khan. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
Prediction markets are coming to sports in a big way. Here’s what you need to know
Prediction markets are growing quickly in the United States. Here's what you need to know about them and how they affect the sports world.
Modernize permitting to meet our energy needs
By Gabe Evans and Heather Reams Energy needs across the country are growing, particularly as domestic AI and advanced manufacturing increase. To meet this demand, we need every electron possible, but our current permitting system disincentivizes innovation and new project development. As two leaders in the energy space, we know the United States is more […]
What to know about Trump's $1 million 'Gold Card' visas
For the hefty price of $1 million, plus at least $15,000 in fees, you can get permanent residency in the United States.
AMC Entertainment Scores Its Biggest Pre-Christmas Holiday Weekend Since 2021, as More Than 4 Million Moviegoers Visited an AMC or ODEON Cinemas Location From Thursday Through Sunday
LEAWOOD, Kan., December 22, 2025--AMC Entertainment (NYSE: AMC), the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and the world, today announced a strong opening-weekend performance for AVATAR: FIRE & ASH at AMC’s U.S. theatres and internationally at ODEON Cinemas. Combined with solid performances from several other new releases and holdover films, AMC enjoyed its best pre-Christmas holiday weekend since 2021, based on attendance and admissions revenue.
Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle production has ended
Nintendo is officially ending production of the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle – at least in the United States. That news comes from an internal GameStop memo. In it, the retailer states: “This bundle SKU has now reached end of lifecycle, and additional units will no longer be produced. Future replenishment of Nintendo Switch 2 will be the base...
U.S, Nigeria sign $5.1 B health MOU, largest co‑investment under America First strategy
The United States has signed a five-year, $5
Strengthening U.S.-Nigerian Health Cooperation under the America First Global Health Strategy - U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria
Strengthening U.S.-Nigerian Health Cooperation under the America First Global Health Strategy The United States signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria December 19 to advance the America First Global Health Strategy, supporting resilient, self-reliant, and durable health systems while promoting accountability and shared responsibility. Under the five-year MOU, the United States intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion in health assistance, with nearly $3.0 billion in new domestic health expenditures by the Government of Nigeria over the same five-year period. This represents the largest co-investment any country has made to date under the America First Global Health Strategy and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to greater national ownership of its health system. Under the MOU, the United States will continue to support surveillance and outbreak response, laboratory systems, health commodities; frontline healthcare workers, and data systems. Nigeria faces significant health challenges, including one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally and approximately30 percent of the global malaria burden. U.S. assistance under the MOU will expand access to affordable, preventive and curative services for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, polio, and maternal and child health, strengthening health outcomes across Nigeria. The MOU places a strong emphasis on Christian faith-based healthcare providers, recognizing their indispensable role in delivering care to communities in need. Nigeria’s more than 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals serve more than 30 percent of the country’s 230 million people, often in areas where healthcare facilities are limited or absent. The MOU provides approximately $200 million in dedicated support to strengthen and support these Christian facilities, enhance workforce capacity, and expand access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal child health services. Investments in Christian faith-based health institutions are uniquely positioned to complement public-sector facilities and reinforce Nigeria’s overall health infrastructure. The MOU was negotiated in connection with reforms undertaken by the Government of Nigeria to prioritize the protection of Christian populations from extremist violence. As with all U.S. foreign assistance, the President and Secretary of State retain the right to pause or terminate programs that do not align with U.S. national interests, and the United States expects Nigeria to continue making measurable progress in combating religiously motivated violence against Christian communities. This five-year MOU is the latest of several health cooperation MOUs signed in Africa this month. The United States will continue to sign multi-year Bilateral Agreements on Global Health Cooperation with countries receiving U.S. health assistance to advance the America First Global Health Strategy.
Top Strategies for Businesses to Gain AI Recommendations
How to Improve Your Business’s AI Search Visibility Washington, United States – December 17, 2025 / Monic AI Systems / How Businesses Can Improve Visibility in AI Search Tools Like ChatGPT As artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT increasingly influence how people find information and evaluate products and services, businesses are adjusting how they present […]
Expanding Faith-based Healthcare in Nigeria through the America First Global Health Strategy - United States Department of State
Today, the United States Department of State signed a five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to strengthen Nigeria’s health system, with a strong emphasis on promoting Christian faith-based health care providers. Under this MOU, the Department of State, working with Congress, intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion to […]
US seizes another vessel off Venezuela as Trump administration ramps up pressure on Caracas
Personnel from the United States boarded and seized a vessel off the coast of Venezuela, according to an official familiar with the matter, as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on Caracas.
Which Country Is Most Narcissistic?
Which Country Is Most Narcissistic? It’s not the United States.
R.F.K. Jr. Likely to Swap U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule for Denmark’s
The shift would mean fewer shots recommended for children. But a Danish health official found the idea baffling, saying the United States was getting “crazier and crazier in public health.”
USA Ultimate and 2-4-1 Sports Join Forces to Bring Ultimate to Youth Nationwide
Colorado Springs, Colo. and Hartford, Conn. (December 19, 2025) — USA Ultimate, the national governing body for the sport of ultimate in the United States,
Cox Communications, Inc. v. Sony Music Entertainment: SCOTUS & Copyright Law
On December 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in the landmark copyright case, Cox Communications, Inc. v. Sony Music Discover insightful episodes on Legal Talk Network's portfolio of legal podcasts featuring in-depth interviews and discussions with leaders in legal technology and practice management. Stay updated with the latest trends and tips for enhancing your legal practice.
Troops will receive $1,776 checks before Christmas, Trump announces
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he would be issuing checks to members of the United States military for $1,776 – in honor of the country’s founding – calling the payment the “Warrior Dividend.”
Amid talk of a brain drain, some scientists leave U.S. behind
“A large part of what we loved about the United States is no longer there”: Amid talk of a brain drain, some scientists leave the U.S. behind.
Safeguarding Global Health Security in Cameroon through the America First Global Health Strategy - United States Department of State
The United States and the Government of Cameroon signed a bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand significant health gains and advance global health security under the landmark America First Global Health Strategy. The MOU puts Americans first by safeguarding our nation from infectious disease threats, while also supporting Cameroon to build robust, self-reliant […]
Chicago health information leader recognized for raising CPR readiness and blood pressure awareness
DALLAS, Dec. 16, 2025 — In the United States, more than 350,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital every year, and 90% of them are fatal.[1] In an effort to save more lives, Laura Merrick, winner of the American Heart Association’s 2025...
Trump Shares Russia’s Twisted Vision of ‘Peace’ in New National Security Strategy
The Donald Trump administration's new National Security Strategy codifies the United States' alignment with the world's autocracies, including Russia.
Can Lawmakers Find a Solution to Expiring Health Care Subsidies?
The United States Senate rejected a pair of health care bills that would have delivered relief to more than 20 million Americans before the end of the year. Now, cost-saving subsidies added to the Affordable Care Act in 2021 are likely to expire on New Year’s Eve, causing patient prices to increase by as much as 100%. NBC’s Anne Thompson reports in this week’s Sunday Focus.
Exclusive: Is America ready for a woman president? Nancy Pelosi's surprising take.
Exit interview: After four decades, the most powerful woman in the history of the United States heads home. She's still defiant.
United States: Antonee Robinson Back for Fulham in Boost to World Cup Hopes
Recovering United States left back Antonee Robinson was handed his first Premier League start of the season by Fulham.
DHS rule could limit international student visas
As immigration advocates warn a proposed rule could dissuade international students from studying in the United States, enrollment has already dropped 17% from last year
Roundup: Indiana rejects redistricting, Trump bashes immigrants in Pennsylvania : The NPR Politics Podcast
It’s been a busy week in the political world. We discuss the Indiana state Senate's rejection of President Trump's push to redraw the state’s congressional districts, President Trump's speech on the economy in Pennsylvania in which he denigrated immigrants, and the United States' seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.Please let us know what you think of our show and how we can make it better by filling out this quick survey. As a token of our appreciation, three respondents will be randomly selected to receive a $25 gift card.
Supporting Breakthrough Health Advancements in Eswatini Under the America First Global Health Strategy - United States Department of State
Today, the United States and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on global health cooperation that includes strategic investments to strengthen national health efforts, leverage American technology, and facilitate the long-term sustainability of Eswatini’s health system. The Department of State, working with Congress, intends to provide up […]
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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