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The politics of asylum: How local exposure reshaped UK voting
The UK has seen a sharp rise in asylum applications since the Covid-19 pandemic. This column examines how exposure to asylum seekers affects voter behaviour. The authors find that increases in dispersed asylum seekers – who are provided with accommodation but cannot choose their destination – lead to a sizeable rightward shift in local election outcomes. While migration has become more salient for both of the UK’s main political parties, only Conservative MPs appear to effectively channel local discontent, helping explain why these rightward electoral shifts occur despite little observable change in public attitudes.
Oil prices slip on ample supply despite political turmoil in Venezuela
Oil prices slipped in early Asian trade on Monday on ample supply despite concerns about political upheaval in OPEC member Venezuela disrupting shipments.
WHO Reports Global Health Gains in 2025 Despite Funding Cuts and Crises
WHO Reports Global Health Gains in 2025 Despite Funding Cuts and Crises / Global news, healthcare, healthcare news, UN, United Nation, WHO
‘This is business as usual’: boss of bombed Ukrainian vodka maker seeks to expand exports
Nemiroff says products still reaching UK chains such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco despite production difficulties
Steve Zahn disputes Bryan Cranston's claim about 'Breaking Bad' role: 'I think Cranston is lying!'
Steve Zahn swears he wasn't in contention to play Walter White on 'Breaking Bad,' despite what Bryan Cranston says: 'I think Cranston is lying!'
This ancient fossil could rewrite the story of human origins
Scientists may have cracked the case of whether a seven-million-year-old fossil could walk upright. A new study found strong anatomical evidence that Sahelanthropus tchadensis was bipedal, including a ligament attachment seen only in human ancestors. Despite its ape-like appearance and small brain, its leg and hip structure suggest it moved confidently on two legs. The finding places bipedalism near the very root of the human family tree.
Packers-Vikings Preview
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Justin Jefferson has hardly been admired more by the Minnesota Vikings than during this season of frustration for their once-potent offense, despite production by the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver that has lagged well behind his remarkable standard.
Some businesses in Henrico incorrectly charging plastic bag tax after Richmond adopts ordinance
Multiple chain stores in Henrico County are incorrectly charging customers a 5-cent plastic bag tax, despite the county having no such ordinance in place.
Trump Says He Takes a High Daily Dose of Aspirin. How Safe Is That?
Despite his doctors’ recommendations, President Trump takes a high dose.
George Mason ‘Stepping up’ to challenges of A10 play
Despite roster changes and injuries, the Patriots have met every test and trial head-on this season.
Downtown Louisville revitalization continues despite business departures
Efforts to revitalize downtown Louisville continue as some major companies, including Humana, LG&E, and Fifth Third Bank, reduce their employee presence in the area.
No iPhone 18 Launch This Year, Reports Suggest
Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 model this year, according to a growing number of reports that suggest the company is planning a significant change to its long-standing annual iPhone launch cycle. Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 18 is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving the iPhone 17 in the lineup as the latest standard model for over 18 months.
Business as usual: Inside Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski’s calm amid swirling job rumors
Despite reports linking the Browns to Miami's offensive guru Mike McDaniel, Cleveland's head coach remains unwavering in his approach, earning respect from players during uncertain times.
The Many-Sprites Interpretation Of Amiga Mechanics
The invention of sprites triggered a major shift in video game design, enabling games with independent moving objects and richer graphics despite the limitations of early video gaming hardware. As …
How Major Entertainment Companies’ Stocks Performed in 2025
The year was a major inflection point for streaming profitability despite the continued decline of linear TV and mixed box office success.
Holiday business solid despite fewer visitors
The scourge of low snowfall affecting the Ketchum area and ski towns across the West has so far dampened but not doused holiday tourism activity, according to a mixture of
Then & Now politics: USAID cuts at Virginia Tech, transportation museum study, Appomattox polling places, food bank funding
Virginia Tech research jobs spared despite USAID shutdown. Study about converting transportation museum to state agency still in limbo. Appomattox closes 1 voting precinct, takes no action on secon…
Takeaways from the Ducks 5-4 Loss to the Sharks
Despite dominant analytics and a barrage of shots, critical defensive lapses allowed the Sharks to capitalize, extending the Ducks' woes.
Chicago firms race to develop crypto products as Trump clears path ahead
Despite a maturing of the industry in 2025, the market remains volatile, with the price of bitcoin falling 30% over the past three months.
Global stock markets head for best year since 2019 despite trade war disruption
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
The business of predicting the future is booming but EU regulators remain uneasy
Prediction markets are ushering in a new era where collective judgement and "crowd wisdom" are no longer theoretical concepts but tradable commodities. Yet despite their growing success, they remain banned in many EU countries.View on euronews
Analysis: How Trump is trying to MAGAfy the world
Most presidents profess not to interfere in other countries’ domestic politics and elections — despite decades of nefarious US political game-playing abroad.
New Chinese RPG Called Clair Obscur Clone Despite Long History
A new Sword and Fairy 4: Remake trailer is turning heads
Trump admin doles out billions for rural health
Montana and California will receive near equal amounts in 2026, despite their massive size disparity.
Why AMC Entertainment (AMC) Stock Is Falling Today
Shares of theater company AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) fell 3.2% in the morning session after investor concerns about the company's underlying financial health overshadowed a report of strong moviegoer attendance over the final weekend of 2025. The company reported that 5.5 million people visited its theaters globally. Despite this positive attendance, the stock's decline reflected deep skepticism about the company's future. Financial data revealed significant challenges, including a substantial
No 10 defends campaign to release Abd el-Fattah despite his ‘abhorrent’ tweets
MPs reject call to strip British-Egyptian activist of UK nationality over social media posts from a decade ago
Small business owners remain 'cautiously optimistic' heading into 2026 amid rising costs, labor challenges
Small business owners remain optimistic about 2026 growth despite inflation and labor challenges, with 80% expressing confidence in their outlook.
The miracle cure for sickle cell is now 2 years old. Most are still waiting.
Despite a Trump administration push, there are few facilities offering the complex treatment in the rural areas where many patients live.
White business owners are biggest share of Illinois' diversity-preferred contract group
(The Center Square) – Illinois' initiative to boost the amount of state contract money it awards to businesses owned by racial minorities and women continues to struggle despite the tens of millions of dollars the state has spent. This month, the number of those businesses that are certified for preference in state contracting dropped again, extending a 17-month downward trend.
Housing market expected to offer little relief for buyers in 2026 despite modest improvements ahead
The U.S. housing market is expected to show modest improvement in 2026, with mortgage rates dropping slightly and home sales increasing 2%.
Jim Cramer on International Business Machines: “It’s Still Cheap”
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer discussed along with macroeconomic conditions. Cramer called the company stock cheap despite a noteworthy run, as he stated: “I also asked if some of the legacy tech giants, like Cisco and IBM, could continue the better performance they’ve been putting up, and I’m […]
Ten-man Derby were 'outstanding'
Derby manager John Eustace is full of his praise for his side as they earn a draw at Birmingham City despite playing more than half the game with 10 men.
My family of 7 moved from a 6-bedroom home in Salt Lake City to a 3-bedroom apartment in NYC. Our cost of living went up, but it's worth it.
Maren Droubay moved from Salt Lake City to NYC with her husband and five children. She says her family is thriving despite the cost of living.
Luxury brands bet on mass-market sports despite shift to exclusivity
Sponsorships and collaborations soar even as industry slowdown spurs renewed focus on wealthiest customers
House Oversight Committee widens scope on Somali-led health contractor
Gateway Community Financial denies wrongdoing despite having its Medicaid payments from a Maine state agency shut off
Perseverance continues science mission amid uncertainty about Mars Sample Return
NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover is continuing its mission to collect samples despite uncertainty about when or if those samples will be returned to Earth.
PC Makers Are Fighting for Memory Capacity as Reports Warn That Postponing Product Launches Might Be the Only Option Left
Despite holding the capital, PC manufacturers are struggling to secure a sufficient memory supply, leaving them with limited options.
Donald Trump Gets Lowest Kennedy Center Honors Ratings Ever: Report
Despite Trump’s boasts, the broadcast’s ratings reportedly dropped 35 percent from last year’s record low.
Donald Trump Gets Lowest Kennedy Center Honors Ratings Ever: Report
Despite Trump’s boasts, the broadcast’s ratings reportedly dropped 35 percent from last year’s record low.
Deal to extend ObamaCare subsidies faces uphill battle despite GOP optimism
A key GOP senator is expressing optimism that Republicans and Democrats will agree to a deal that would extend expiring health care subsidies, but the effort faces an uphill climb in winning the ba…
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.
AMC Entertainment Stock Hits All-Time Low Despite Avatar Success, Billionaire Buy-In
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc (NYSE:AMC) stock hit a new all-time low Tuesday at $1.64, even as the company reported its strongest pre-Christmas weekend since 2021. Here’s what investors need to know. Don't Miss: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion – they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends 7 Million Gamers Already Trust Gameflip With Their Digital Assets — Now You Can Own a Stake in the Platform What To Know: The bearish price action s
6 Northeast Ohio health systems construction projects to watch in 2026
Health systems have a massive real estate footprint across Northeast Ohio, which isn't a surprise given their outsized role in the region's economy. It's also no surprise that, despite a year of headwinds, the area's major systems continue to grow, with several projects expected to either begin or be completed in the near future. Here are a few of the notable health care construction projects that should come online in 2026.
Health insurance sign-ups in Colorado are running even with last year, despite loss of big federal subsidies
Sign-ups through the Connect for Health Colorado insurance exchange are just slightly ahead of last year's pace, despite expiring subsidies.
'Palace fight will have delighted Glasner'
Former Crystal Palace forward Glen Murray says Oliver Glasner will be "delighted" with the spirit shown by his side despite their Carabao Cup quarter-final exit on Tuesday evening. The Eagles fought back after Maxence Lacroix's late own goal to equalise deep into stoppage time and force penalties away at Arsenal, before the Gunners eventually progressed by winning the shootout. "When you take into consideration the way they lost the game at the weekend against Leeds, coming away to the Emirates in the quarter-final of a cup competition and digging in in the manner that they did showed character," Murray told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
Augusta business gives away toys despite delayed opening
An Augusta business gave away toys to kids in the community one night before Christmas Eve, despite not being able to open this holiday season.
The Philip Rivers comeback was wasted time for the Colts
Despite the best efforts of Philip Rivers, his comeback did not help the Colts' playoff aspirations.
Battlefield 6 players suspect AI cosmetics have been snuck into the game, despite EA saying that wouldn't happen
Battlefield 6 players have found what they believe to be an generative AI sticker in the game, causing outrage.
The Science That Will Shape 2026
Despite everything, science goes on.
Gridlock dotted with bipartisan breakthroughs in divided Legislature
The first divided Michigan Legislature in years stands out as historically unproductive. Despite some bipartisan action, gridlock looms over the year.
Sources: Notre Dame, USC rivalry series ending next year as Irish finalize 2-year deal with BYU
Despite months of negotiations, USC and Notre Dame officials have failed to reach an agreement on playing what would be the 97th game in the series next year.
This cancer-fighting molecule took 50 years to build
MIT scientists have achieved the first-ever lab synthesis of verticillin A, a complex fungal compound discovered in 1970. Its delicate structure stalled chemists for decades, despite differing from related molecules by only two atoms. With the synthesis finally complete, researchers created new variants that showed strong activity against a rare pediatric brain cancer. The breakthrough could unlock an entire class of previously unreachable cancer-fighting molecules.
Colorado businesses push through power outages during holiday season
Many Colorado businesses tried to keep the doors open during the recent power shutoffs despite the drop in foot traffic. Now, they're hoping customers will return in greater numbers ahead of the coming Christmas holiday.
S.F. Power outage: restaurants and cafes open without electricity
Businesses opened their doors Sunday morning in San Francisco despite an ongoing power outage that left thousands of residents without electricity.
You may not be able to buy the Galaxy S26 series until March 2026
A new rumor claims that despite being unveiled in February, the Galaxy S26 series may not be released by Samsung until March 2026.
NPB slugger Munetaka Murakami signing with White Sox on two-year deal, per report
Murakami was the top power hitter in Japan, despite strikeout problems
Prison health workers are among the best-paid public employees. Why are so many jobs vacant?
Despite spending hundreds of millions of dollars to fill vacant medical and mental health positions at prisons and state hospitals, California has little to show for it, according to a new report from the state auditor.
I Bought a Used iPhone 13 Mini and Learned a Hard Lesson
Commentary: The iPhone Air intrigued me but I didn't want to spend $1,000. So I got a $353 used iPhone 13 Mini, and found it quite capable despite a major drawback.
Evaluation of WHO’s coordination in health emergencies helps guide humanitarian reforms
The recent evaluation of the Global Health Cluster sheds new light on how WHO, in its unique role as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Cluster Lead Agency (CLA) for health, coordinates life-saving health responses in humanitarian crises. It highlights how WHO works through partnerships to reach the most vulnerable crisis-affected populations and strengthen collective action in increasingly complex emergencies. Serving both learning and accountability purposes, the evaluation provided timely and actionable recommendations that are helping to strategically position WHO during the ongoing IASC Humanitarian Reset and the broader UN 2.0 reforms, where prioritization and new ways of working are taking shape. The evaluation was conducted between 2024 and 2025, at a time when humanitarian action funding was plummeting by more than 50%, triggering the launch of the IASC Humanitarian Reset. While restructuring and prioritization across the humanitarian landscape were underway, the evaluation, through iterative feedback loops, shared emerging findings that helped identify the most crucial coordination functions needed. This was especially important at a time when humanitarian needs and health risks due to armed conflict and natural hazards were increasing, while the capacity of health partners to support Member States to equitably reach all populations affected by crises and deliver response was at risk. The evaluation found that the Global Health Cluster (GHC) remains a highly relevant mechanism for strengthening health coordination in crises and has delivered efficiently despite limited resources. It noted strong collaboration with partners and highlighted opportunities to deepen integration within WHO structures and further enhance inter-cluster cooperation. The evaluation also identified areas where greater emphasis on transition planning, national coordination capacity and linkages between humanitarian response and health system strengthening would bring added value. While the GHC has achieved many of its strategic objectives, improvements in monitoring systems would help better demonstrate collective impact. The recommendations will help strengthen the IASC CLA coordination function across WHO, at all levels, and with all partners. It is noted that going forward WHO needs to continue to support capacity to fulfil coordination functions, in line with the IASC Humanitarian Reset whilst ensuring collective prioritization of health cluster action and quality coverage of the health response. The evaluation will help WHO strengthen locally-led action, national ownership and leadership of the sector, and linkages between health system strengthening activities. Additionally, the evaluation evidence will be used to optimize resource mobilization for the GHC and strengthen WHO’s capacity to deliver, plan for and monitor and evaluate results across the Organization. Read the evaluation Global Health Cluster https://healthcluster.who.int/ WHO’s work in health emergencies https://www.who.int/emergencies/overview
Santa Ragione's provocative horror Horses sells 18,000 copies - but it may not be enough to save the studio
Santa Ragione's controversial horror game, Horses, has sold over 18,000 copies despite being deplatformed from Steam an…
Kuo: iPhone Fold Production Challenges Could Limit Supply Next Year
Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone could face supply shortages into 2027 despite a planned launch next year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo said in a new research note: "Development of the foldable iPhone is behind earlier expectations, but the product is still expected to [sic] announce in 2H26. Due to early-stage yield and ramp-up challenges, smooth shipments may not occur until 2027.
Following controversial bans from Steam and Epic, Santa Ragione's Horses has sold 18k copies and repaid debts
Horses has sold over 18k copies, despite being banned from Epic and Steam.
Column | Trump tweets, White House staff disruptions trigger 2017 déjà vu
GOP lawmakers are battling the same distractions as in Trump’s first term despite talk of stability in the West Wing.
Global Business Travel Group (GBTG): Reassessing Valuation After Recent Share Price Rebound and CWT Acquisition Progress
Global Business Travel Group (GBTG) has been quietly reshaping its business travel platform, and the stock’s recent mix of gains over the past month and weakness year to date has investors reassessing its trajectory. See our latest analysis for Global Business Travel Group. Despite the year to date share price return sitting in negative territory, the recent 1 month share price rebound and a solid three year total shareholder return suggest sentiment may be stabilising around Global Business...
Chicago-area health officials expect bad flu season, push for vaccinations despite federal guidance
Chicago-area healthcare providers are stocked up with influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, but some doctors say it's been a tough sell this year.
House to vote on GOP health care bill that doesn't address expiring tax credits
The House will vote Wednesday on a Republican-backed bill that aims to reform health care. Despite mounting pressure, the vote fails to address Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax subsidies set to expire this month.
Myanmar regime claims Aung San Suu Kyi ‘in good health’ despite son’s fears
Noble laureate's son says military must 'prove' Suu Kyi is healthy after years in detention following military coup.
Trump Still Needs Susie Wiles
The president made clear he supports his chief of staff despite her Vanity Fair comments.
US added 64K jobs in November after losing 105K in October, delayed report shows
The Labor Department released the highly anticipated November jobs report which showed the U.S. economy added jobs despite uncertainty over inflation.
Column: Why were AU sports so successful this fall?
Despite not having much to show for it, the Eagles soared this semester
QB Arch Manning will return to Texas in 2026 despite NFL Draft speculation
Arch Manning just finished his first season as a starter with the Longhorns, and will now run it back in 2026.
Chicago business owner sues city and mayor, claims Riverwalk license revoked due to racial bias
Beat Kitchen owner Robert Gomez is suing the city, alleging his Riverwalk license was not renewed due to racial discrimination, despite being the most qualified applicant under city rules.
WATCH: Trump defends reaction to Rob Reiner killing despite GOP criticism
The statement, even for Trump, was a shocking comment that came as police were still investigating the deaths of the director and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, as an apparent homicide.
Prison health workers are among the best-paid public employees. Why are so many jobs vacant?
California spent hundreds of millions on high-paying prison and hospital healthcare jobs, auditors found -- but vacancy rates rose since 2019, exceeding 30% at three facilities despite bonuses and pay raises.
Verizon refused to unlock man’s iPhone, so he sued the carrier and won
Verizon changed policy after he bought the phone, wouldn’t unlock it despite FCC rule.
OPINION: Colleges too often drop the ball on student-athlete mental health
Despite changes at the NCAA, conference and institutional levels to improve access to, education about and training for mental health services, they remain insufficient to meet the growing mental-health needs of student-athletes.
Andes Tower Hills sees business growth despite extreme cold closure
Andes Tower Hills closed Saturday because of dangerous cold temperatures and saw light turnout Sunday, but the ski resort says business is improving despite the extreme weather.
Seaport Entertainment: I Sold After The Sale Of 250 Water Street (NYSE:SEG)
Seaport Entertainment sells 250 Water Street, shedding $61M debt and strengthening finances despite Q3 losses.
Week in politics: Crunch time for new health insurance plans, Trump sued over White House renovations, Americans killed by ISIS
Despite being in control of the White House and Congress, Republicans have been unable to pass their health care agenda. We look at why that's the case, as well as a new lawsuit against the president.
Week in politics: Crunch time for new health insurance plans, Trump sued over White House renovations, Americans killed by ISIS
Despite being in control of the White House and Congress, Republicans have been unable to pass their health care agenda. We look at why that's the case, as well as a new lawsuit against the president.
Week in politics: Crunch time for new health insurance plans, Trump sued over White House renovations, Americans killed by ISIS
Despite being in control of the White House and Congress, Republicans have been unable to pass their health care agenda. We look at why that's the case, as well as a new lawsuit against the president.
Why thousands of Massachusetts residents are avoiding doctor visits even with health insurance
Nearly 30% of Bay Staters skipped medical care due to costs last year, despite the state having one of America's highest insurance rates at 97.9%.
Real Madrid: Good news arrives for Franco Mastantuono
Franco MastantuonoAt Real Madrid, there’s good news for Franco Mastantuono.Since November 1, despite several stints on the bench, Franco Mastantuono hasn’t featured on the pitch. Now fully recover...
Caleb Wilson dominates in UNC’s win over USC Upstate
Despite some poor defense, the Heels put away the Spartans to improve to 9-1.
The Boston Celtics are the East's surprise team this season
The Boston Celtics continue to impress, despite a tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 11
Plans for outdoor entertainment center along I-40 move forward
Pacific Elm Properties drafts a term sheet for an entertainment center on 136 acres near RDU Airport, shaped by public feedback despite controversy.
Scientists reveal the real benefits and hidden risks of medical cannabis
A sweeping review of more than 2,500 studies reveals that despite booming public enthusiasm, cannabis has strong scientific support for only a few medical uses, leaving most popular claims—like relief for chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia—on shaky ground. The findings spotlight a persistent gap between what people believe cannabis can do and what clinical evidence actually shows.
The federal government is blurring the lines between politics and medicine
As a family physician, I work every day to earn the trust of my patients. I see lines being blurred between politics and medicine and, despite the high trust the public has in their own physician, it is becoming harder to separate medical and scientific information from misinformation. I hear this concern from my patients, […]
4 Takeaways From the Falcons' Win Over the Buccaneers
The Bucs' stunning collapse to Atlanta puts their playoff hopes in jeopardy despite controlling their NFC South destiny at 7-7. Here are my takeaways.
Pipes: Despite Dems' protests, affordable health plans are about to multiply
This year, many people can buy low-cost "catastrophic" health plans for the very first time.
DC Wrap: Indiana Republicans say no to redistricting despite pressure from Trump
Also, the Senate rejected two health care reform bills and an update on a National Guard member wounded last month in Washington
Indiana Republicans block new congressional map in rare break with Trump
Indiana's Republican-led senate voted against a redrawn congressional map Thursday that would have favored their party in the 2026 elections, despite months of pressure by President Donald Trump for a rare mid-cycle redistricting.
Despite Chiefs’ 2025 struggles, the Chargers still respect their rival
Los Angeles expects a competitive Week 15 game against Kansas City.
A divided GOP forges ahead on health care message — without plan to address spiking premiums
Congressional Republicans are taking a major political gamble this week, laying out a GOP health care agenda that ignores the soon-to-expire enhanced subsidies that help tens of millions of Americans afford Obamacare — despite pleas from some in their own party.
A divided GOP forges ahead on health care message — without plan to address spiking premiums
Congressional Republicans are taking a major political gamble this week, laying out a GOP health care agenda that ignores the soon-to-expire enhanced subsidies that help tens of millions of Americans afford Obamacare — despite pleas from some in their own party.
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
Despite US tariff hikes, global trade remains surprisingly strong
Global trade is proving far more resilient than many economists expected in the face of escalating U.S. tariffs, The Wall Street Journal writes. Despite forecasts of a decline earlier this year, the U.N. now projects global trade in goods and services will reach $35 trillion in 2025—a 7% jump driven by both higher prices and […]
Hrithik Roshan Praises </i>Dhurandhar</i> Despite 'Disagreeing With Its Politics': "Loved And Learnt From This One"
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US health officials re-examine RSV shots despite documented safety and efficacy
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