In a landmark decision, the World Health Assembly has approved crucial amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) and committed to finalising a global pandemic agreement within a year. These measures aim to bolster global preparedness for future health emergencies.
Historic amendments to the IHR
The 77th World Health Assemby, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 27 May to 1 June, has ratified a package of amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005), marking a significant step towards enhancing global health security. These modifications, designed to strengthen preparedness, surveillance, and response capabilities, reflect lessons learnt from recent health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key among the amendments is the introduction of a ‘pandemic emergency’ definition. This new classification is intended to trigger more effective international collaboration in response to events that pose a pandemic risk. The definition encompasses communicable diseases with wide geographical spread, the potential to overhelm health systems, and the capacity to cause substantial social and economic disruption.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasised the importance of these amendments, saying: “The amendments to the International Health Regulations will bolster countries’ ability to detect and respond to future outbreaks and pandemics by strengthening their own national capacities, and coordination between fellow States, on disease surveillance, information sharing and response.”
Solidarity and equity in focus
A notable addition to the IHR is the commitment to solidarity and equity in strengthening access to medical products and financing. This includes the establishment of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism to support the identification of and access to financing for developing countries. The mechanism aims to address core capacities and other pandemic emergency prevention, preparedness, and response related needs.
Improved coordination and implementation
The amendments also provide for the creation of a States Parties Committee to facilitate effective implementation of the revised Regulations. This committee will promote and support cooperation among States Parties for the effective implementation of the IHR.
Additionally, the establishment of National IHR Authorities aims to improve coordination of implementation within and among countries, potentially streamlining response efforts in future health emergencies.
Expedited timeline for pandemic agreement
Concurrent with the IHR amendments, WHO Member States have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a proposed Pandemic Agreement. The Inter-governmental Negotiating Body’s mandate has been extended, with the goal of finalising the agreement within a year, potentially at a special session of the World Health Assembly in 2024.
Precious Matsoso, Co-Chair of the Pandemic Accord Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, noted: “There was a clear consensus amongst all Member States on the need for a further instrument to help the world better fight a full-blown pandemic.”
Looking ahead
The amendments to the IHR and the expedited timeline for the Pandemic Agreement represent significant progress in global health governance. These developments reflect a growing recognition of the inter-connected nature of global health and the need for coordinated, equitable responses to health emergencies.
As the global health community works to implement these changes, the coming year will be crucial in shaping the future of pandemic preparedness and response. The success of these initiatives will depend on continued collaboration and commitment from WHO Member States and the broader international community.
