Member countries of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) made significant amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) during the seventy-seventh World Health Assembly. These changes include defining a “pandemic emergency” and pledging to improve access to medical products and financing. The goal of these amendments is to create strong systems in all countries to protect against future outbreaks and pandemics. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the decisions made, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing public health emergencies.
In addition to amending the IHR, countries also agreed to continue negotiating a pandemic agreement to enhance international coordination and collaboration in preparing for and responding to future pandemics. The mandate of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) was extended to complete this work within a year, by the World Health Assembly in 2025 or earlier if possible. Tedros commended the delegates for their efforts and expressed confidence in their ability to finalize the pandemic agreement.
During the World Health Assembly, held under the theme “All for Health, Health for All,” the new amendments to the IHR were highlighted. These changes include the introduction of a definition for a pandemic emergency, which will trigger more effective international collaboration in response to potential pandemics. The definition outlines criteria for identifying a communicable disease that poses a significant risk of widespread geographical spread, overwhelming health systems, causing societal disruption, and requiring coordinated international action.
The amendments also emphasize solidarity and equity in accessing medical products and financing by establishing a Coordinating Financial Mechanism. This mechanism aims to assist developing countries in securing the necessary financing to address health emergencies. By promoting cooperation and fairness in resource allocation, the amendments seek to ensure that all countries have the support they need to respond effectively to public health threats.
Overall, the decisions made at the World Health Assembly demonstrate a shared commitment among member states to safeguard global health and address the challenges presented by pandemics. The amendments to the IHR, along with ongoing efforts to negotiate a pandemic agreement, reflect a dedication to strengthening preparedness, response, and cooperation in the face of future health crises. Through collaboration and collective action, countries are working together to build resilient health systems and protect the well-being of people around the world.
