The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has announced a landmark agreement with CSL Seqirus to secure a reserved share of pandemic influenza vaccine production for countries across Latin America and the Caribbean in the event of a future influenza pandemic. The agreement was officially announced on May 12, 2026, in Washington, D.C., and is being described as a major milestone in strengthening regional health security and pandemic preparedness.
Under the agreement, participating PAHO Member States will have access to a fixed percentage of the company’s global pandemic influenza vaccine output. Countries participating through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds will have the option to obtain an initial reserved allocation of vaccines during a pandemic emergency, helping the region respond more rapidly when global demand intensifies.
PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa stated that the agreement reflects lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and advance planning to secure vaccine access. Through pooled procurement mechanisms, countries in the Americas are expected to strengthen their collective bargaining power and improve access to critical vaccines under conditions comparable to those available to higher-income nations.
CSL Seqirus will oversee the development of pandemic influenza vaccines and support technology transfer initiatives as part of the agreement. The company highlighted that the partnership combines reserved vaccine doses, regional manufacturing capacity, and long-term public-private collaboration to improve preparedness for future health emergencies.
The agreement also includes collaboration with Argentina-based Sinergium Biotech, where part of the vaccine production will take place. This regional manufacturing component is expected to strengthen supply chain resilience and expand local production capabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Sinergium Biotech noted that investments in infrastructure and workforce development over the past 15 years have positioned the company to support future pandemic response efforts in line with PAHO’s regional strategies.
PAHO explained that the agreement was reached following an international competitive procurement process and year-long negotiations. The initiative seeks to reduce delays in vaccine access during public health emergencies, particularly for middle-income countries that have historically faced challenges competing for limited global supplies during pandemics.
The organization also stated that reserved vaccine doses will be allocated based on epidemiological evidence and public health risk assessments, with priority given to vulnerable populations. By establishing advance supply commitments and transparent allocation mechanisms, the agreement is intended to shift the region toward a more proactive and coordinated pandemic response model.
PAHO emphasized that the continued emergence of avian influenza and other zoonotic diseases highlights the need for sustained preparedness efforts. Influenza viruses, particularly those originating from animals, remain among the most significant threats with pandemic potential, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation, vaccine access, and manufacturing readiness across the Americas.
