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Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”
With two games to go, 49ers keep bid to win NFC West, top playoff seed alive
Bruised, battered yet bouncing back, the 49ers did more than beat the Colts — they improved their shot at winning the division and the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
Entertainment vs. reality: How media glamorizes opioids and warps teens' perception
Opioids are often shown in movies, music, and social media as party drugs, symbols of fun, rebellion, or a carefree lifestyle. Instead of highlighting the real dangers of addiction, withdrawal or overdose, entertainment culture turns powerful and deadly substances into aesthetic props. This glamorized image shapes how teens and young adults think about opioids, making […]
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4750-4762: See You on the Other Side of the Sun
Written by Lucy Thompson, Planetary Scientist and APXS team member, University of New Brunswick, Canada
'Reckless, dangerous': Health leaders denounce MK Son Har-Melech's proposal that Israel leave WHO
MK Limor Son Har-Melech’s push to withdraw Israel from the WHO drew backlash from health leaders, who warned of risks to public health and international ties.
S.F. businesses were ready for one of the year’s busiest weekends. Then the power outage stole it
San Francisco businesses lost thousands of dollars when power went out on one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Second One UI 8.5 beta breaks a popular Samsung camera app on the Galaxy S25
The Expert RAW app doesn't work on the second One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 lineup, unless you manually install an older version.
Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis far behind JD Vance in Turning Point USA straw poll
Are conservatives 'all-in' for the Veep?
The seamy side of Westminster, then and now — the best new books on politics
From revelations about Starmer’s Labour to the story of a Liberal who sold honours. Plus the reminiscences of a Nato chief and the evangelism of Tony Blair
Powerball jackpot rises to $1.6B, fifth-largest in US lottery history
The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.6 billion with a cash value of $735.3 million after there was no winner in Saturday's drawing.
Louisiana politicians in 2025 rolled back public health and environmental efforts
There are a range of issues facing Louisiana residents as 2025 draws to a close, from skyrocketing insurance costs, stronger storms, uncertainty over healthcare and limited resources for working families and people experiencing poverty.
Louisiana politicians in 2025 rolled back public health and environmental efforts
There are a range of issues facing Louisiana residents as 2025 draws to a close, from skyrocketing insurance costs, stronger storms, uncertainty over healthcare and limited resources for working families and people experiencing poverty.
An $88 million Bay Area home could set a city record
The 12-acre property was "inspired by Lake Como."
Michael Payne on power, politics and the making of modern sport
The former IOC marketing chief and adviser to Formula 1 reflects on five decades at the centre of global sport
Choosing a hospital? See which California health facilities have violated the law
If you're struggling to navigate California's health care system, this tool can help. Search for any hospital, nursing home, clinic or other facility to see recent inspection reports, violations and potential references to patient harm.
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.
Indie Game Awards disqualifies Game of the Year winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for using AI
The Indie Game Awards has withdrawn two awards previously given to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, not because of the deba…
How Costco's membership fees are key to keeping the wholesale club profitable
The wholesale club's crackdown on non-members has drawn comparisons to the streaming giant, but the similarities between the two businesses run deep.
Editorial: America's looming health care crisis
Of all the falsehoods in President Trump’s prime-time speech, his dismissal of an imminent health insurance coverage disaster stood out.
The year Trump broke the federal government
How DOGE and the White House carried out a once-unthinkable transformation of the nation’s sprawling bureaucracy.
Taiwan political clash puts global support at risk, foreign officials warn
Opposition resistance to Lai's defense buildup, impeachment threats raise eyebrows
Saturday’s Powerball drawing could bring someone a $1.5 billion holiday windfall
Someone could become $1.5 billion richer after this evening — if they pick the winning numbers in the latest Powerball jackpot.
Live Updates: Brawl rematch on tap for national semifinals
Check here during and after the game for the latest information, highlights and reaction from Saturday's national semifinals contest between No. 3 Montana and No. 2 Montana State in Bozeman.
Newcastle denied 'stonewall' penalty against Chelsea, says Eddie Howe
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says his side were denied a "stonewall" penalty in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea - so, does he have a point?
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.
The sports business stories to watch in 2026
World Cup intrigue, F1’s Apple era, NBA expansion and more
The sports business stories to watch in 2026
World Cup intrigue, F1’s Apple era, NBA expansion and more
Trump talks about neuroses, purchasing chairs and his wife’s underwear drawer in latest affordability speech
President Donald Trump came to North Carolina on Friday to talk about the economy.
New Braunfels bids farewell to these popular businesses in 2025
Restaurants, cafes and novelty shops all suffered losses this year.
Site News: Why We Won't Be Covering ModRetro Products Moving Forward
The 'Anduril Chromatic' is the final straw
‘We don’t care about politics’: Violence-hit Uvira locals just want peace
As M23 captures and then withdraws from key DRC city, residents say 'whoever comes with peace is welcome here'.
Dozens of Public Health and Policy Experts, Along with the American Public Health Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Urge DHS to Withdraw Proposed Public Charge Rule | Milken Institute School of Public Health | The George Washington University
Washington, D.C. (December 19, 2025) — A public comment filed by 65 public health deans and scholars, along with the American Public Health Association (APHA) and
Trump will revisit a North Carolina town, now the focus of a newly redrawn congressional district
While he is directly appealing to Americans that the economy is improving, President Trump will visit a congressional district Republicans are eyeing in their attempts to keep control the U.S. House.
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4743-4749: Polygons in the Hollow
Written by Lucy Lim, Planetary Scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Gemini app now lets you edit with Nano Banana by drawing, detect AI videos
The Gemini app is adding a “new way to prompt with Nano Banana” by drawing or annotating directly on images.
News & Rumors: The Crawfish Boil 12/18/2025
All the latest news and rumors on your Houston Astros and from around MLB – it’s in here! Today’s offseason Crawfish Boil for December 18, 2025: Cliff Notes: Passan identified the Astros as being in the mix for a top-tier starting pitcher. Rosenthal also goes on to say that trading Marte is the most likely […]
Galaxy Z Fold 8 tipped to upgrade two cameras next year
Galaxy Z Fold 8 is rumored to get major camera upgrades next year, including higher-resolution telephoto and ultrawide shooters.
McGraw was ‘Raised on K-State’ - Kansas State University Athletics
They train together, father and son, running hills in northeast Kansas, even now — especially now — as Lawson McGraw finishes his senior year at Blue Valley ...
Principal Exits $800 Million Hong Kong Pension Business
Principal Financial Group Inc. is withdrawing from another pension business in Hong Kong as the US financial services firm seeks to cut administrative costs, according to people familiar with the matter.
Owner of CT roofing business sentenced to 15 months in prison for tax evasion
He also was ordered to pay more than $1.1 million to the IRS and $578,259 to the Connecticut Medicaid program, officials said.
CIAC bans Connecticut sports writer from high school games and events for 'expression of violence'
The writer complained in the column about spending $56 for a copy of his birth certificate and a Real ID to attend a high school football game at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Knicks win NBA Cup final; Terence 'Bud' Crawford retires from boxing
Catching you up on the latest in sports from an NBA Cup winner to the retirement of a boxing superstar
When business and democracy don’t mix
Liberals were wrong to assume the two ideas are natural twins
Knicks win the NBA Cup behind a balanced team effort
In today's edition: Knicks win NBA Cup, Crawford retires from boxing, the parallels between Pete Golding and Steve Fisher, NFL power rankings, emailing with the Warriors owner, and more.
15 must-watch British crime drama series
Whether with an old-fashioned one-case-per-episode or a more sprawling multistrand story, quaint or violent, historic or modern, the birthplace of Agatha Christie understands that we all need stories that make sense of seemingly senseless acts.
Diageo to sell Kenyan drinks business to Japan’s Asahi in $2.3bn deal
Spirits group will offload its 65% stake in EABL as it seeks to reduce debt
M Health Fairview, UnitedHealthcare reach agreement to keep 100K patients in network
The Google app is intentionally replacing Pixel Launcher search
In the past few days, tapping the Pixel Launcher search bar opens a different screen powered by the Google app. This is not a bug...
Get a 65-inch 4K QLED Samsung Smart TV for less than $500 at Walmart right now
Right now, you can score this 65-inch Samsung TV at Walmart for just $448 — that is $152 off.
ROSES-25: F.6 Science Activation Final Text Released
The Science Mission Directorate Science Activation Program encourages all people to actively participate in science through activities and resources developed by a collaborative network of project teams drawing on NASA SMD assets (science content, experts, data, etc.).
Digging up Shreveport’s past, one small find at a time in privy pits and beyond
History isn’t just taught — it’s unearthed. Meet the curator who finds Shreveport’s past in drawers, dirt and old outhouse pits.
Global Business Activity Growth Slows as Tariffs Bite
Business activity in the U.S., Europe and parts of Asia continued to grow as 2025 draws to a close, but at a slower pace as higher barriers to trade and uncertainty about relations between major powers took their toll.
Major San Marcos businesses that closed for good in 2025
From wings to vinyl, these spots said farewell.
The *Evening* Bee: More Questions than Answers
Good evening, Fear the Wall. Apologies for the timing on today’s Bee, I was rather busy yesterday evening and didn’t have a chance to get my writing done. Shame on me. Dortmund’s tie draw in Freiburg is definitely hanging heavily in the air, with some sour commentary coming out of the dressing room and the […]
TeraWulf says A.I. data center is for science and education in zoning appeal. Critics call it a work around.
ITHACA, N.Y. — The land-use moratorium that would have halted the construction of a proposed data center has been withdrawn, but the company behind the project still has more bureaucratic […]
Access Health CT website crashes on key enrollment day
Access Health CT’s website crashed Monday with a 500 internal server error on the last day to enroll in coverage starting Jan. 1.
What does losing Harris Democratic Party endorsement mean for John Whitmire?
Harris County Democratic Party officials argue that today’s political climate will force them to be more outspoken in future races — even the nonpartisan ones.
Spurs great David Robinson sues business partner, alleges he committed fraud
Robinson, Admiral Capital Group and two other firms accuse Daniel Bassichis of diverting millions of dollars to his investment firm and another business.
Why Dan Crenshaw, a celebrity in Congress, is fighting for his job
Redistricting has made Dan Crenshaw's district more conservative and teed up competitive challengers in the March 2026 primary.
College Football Playoff odds, picks, predictions for first-round games
CBS Sports experts Brad Crawford and Chris Hummer reveal their picks for the playoff's opening round
Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE
Massachusetts-SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in some of cardiology’s biggest trends. The company was co-founded by cardiologists and has already secured multiple FDA clearances.
Police in Japan arrest a suspect in stabbing at an entertainment complex
Japanese police say they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in Fukuoka. Both had...
As anti-ICE Nativity scenes spark outrage, faith leaders grapple with politics at the pulpit
As Nativity scenes depicting ICE draw attention and outrage, faith leaders are grappling with politics in religion and urging a closer reading of the Christmas story.
UK to push for nudity-blocking software on devices to protect children
Home Office expected to encourage companies to introduce controls
Irrelevant Hickenlooper draws a challenger
State Sen. Julie Gonzales should be ashamed of herself. Doesn’t Gonzales understand that U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper is entitled to the Democratic nomination for Senate? Doesn’t Gonzales know that, just like in 2020, Hickenlooper “needs his sleep” and cannot be bothered with some pesky, young state senator who actually knows why she is running? And […]
2 stabbed at entertainment complex in southern Japan, police arrest a 30-year-old suspect
Japanese police say they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in the southern city of Fukuoka,...
Jasmine Crockett's Senate campaign makes first Houston stop
She stopped in at the same church she attended when she was a student at the University of Houston law school.
School politics class: Berenberg made largest unlawful UK political donation with £300,000 for Tories
Established UK political parties
US Sen. Rand Paul concerned redistricting efforts will lead to violence
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, in an interview for "Meet the Press," said he is concerned efforts to redraw congressional districts may stir tension.
John Whitmire will no longer receive Harris County Democrat's endorsements
Precinct chairs signed on to a resolution asking the party to deny Houston Mayor John Whitmire endorsements after he participated in a GOP fundraiser.
UNC Health, Cigna agree to new contract, restoring coverage for 65,000 patients
The two parties’ previous contract expired on Nov. 30, leaving Cigna members with higher costs when treated by UNC Health providers.
Trump gives Elon Musk a win over a longtime foe
President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered a review of two major proxy advisory firms — companies that advise shareholders on votes — that had previously drawn the ire of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and others in Corporate America.
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.
From troubled youth to NFL star: Garett Bolles' journey
His first career Pro Bowl nod is tantalizingly within reach for nine-year NFL veteran Garett Bolles, whose renaissance on the gridiron mirrors his awakening off the field. The Broncos' left tackle has polished the rough edges of his game over the years to go from a raw latecomer to football (he was a lacrosse star as a kid) to one of the league's best blindside protectors. Early on, he was derided by Broncos fans for his propensity for penalties.
Officials warn Californians of 'junk' health care plans supported by White House
It is very likely that ACA tax credits will expire by January.
New sprawling restaurant, entertainment complex opening in Surf City
This 40,000-square-foot space includes something for everyone, and a full bar and restaurant, in Pender County.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sweeps The Game Awards — analysis and full winners list
Independent video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 swept the Game Awards last night. The L.A. ceremony draws millions of views for its industry honors and exclusive previews of upcoming games.
Private equity-backed group says it's pumping $10M into Bay Area sports complex
"It's a facility that needs some love and affection."
RFK Jr is a danger to public health – but local Maha laws could be a bigger threat
An array of under-the-radar initiatives are taking hold across the US, often tied to immunization, fluoridation and raw milk
Roper: Want to revive Uptown? Grab a ‘passport’ and show Hennepin Avenue businesses some holiday cheer
The “Holidays on Hennepin” program aims to draw traffic to the street after a lengthy road reconstruction.
California braces for disaster as Congress fails to come to a deal on health care plans
Insurance premiums for nearly 2 million Californians are almost certain to spike in a matter of weeks as a fractured Congress allows federal subsidies for some customers to expire.
Column | Why Mormonism may have an answer for our toxic politics
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox draws on teachings from his Mormon faith to ‘disagree better.’ Studies show his approach could change public attitudes.
Jason Buechel, the man who's tasked with energizing Amazon's grocery business
Jason Buechel, a longtime Whole Foods leader with roots in food and tech, is now tasked with unifying Amazon’s sprawling grocery business.
China's new 'condom tax' draws skepticism and worries over health risks
China will soon start collecting a value-added tax on contraceptive drugs and products for the first time in over 30 years.
WATCH: Trump criticizes Indiana Senate Republicans' rejection of redistricting effort
After Republican legislators in Indiana joined with Democrats to vote down a plan to redraw the state's congressional map on Thursday, President Donald Trump said he would support a primary against a GOP state Senate leader.
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.
Indiana Senate Republicans reject Trump’s redistricting push
The Indiana Senate on Thursday voted down a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts to hand Republicans two more seats, dealing President Donald Trump a rare rebuke from his own party in the face of the president’s months-long campaign to pressure the GOP supermajority in the deep-red state to bend to his will.
Palantir says its 'Neurodivergent Fellowship' has received 2,000 applications and counting
Palantir's new fellowship for neurodivergent talent draws 2,000 applications, showing demand for merit-based, unconventional hiring in tech and AI.
American Express draws several impressive early commitments
The American Express has drawn several impressive early commitments
Plan for new business jet hangars could boost revenue at underused Sikorsky Airport
The city's airport commission approved negotiations with Sky Harbour to build and manage business plane sites at the Stratford-based facility.
No one is safe from the world’s next superbugs. Is this new science the solution?
Old antibiotics are losing effectiveness — and new ones aren’t being discovered fast enough. Our best hope to save lives may be AI.
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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