Significant advancements achieved in Member State discussions regarding revisions to the International Health Regulations (IHR).

 Significant advancements achieved in Member State discussions regarding revisions to the International Health Regulations (IHR).

In a historic breakthrough for global public health, Member States have reached a preliminary agreement on a comprehensive set of amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005), marking a significant milestone. These amendments, stemming from over 300 proposals submitted by countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aim to enhance countries' readiness, detection, and response capabilities to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs). The package of amendments will be presented to the World Health Assembly (WHA), scheduled to convene from May 27 to June 1, 2024. Negotiators will reconvene next week to finalize outstanding issues.

The International Health Regulations, initially adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1969 and last updated in 2005, were designed to optimize collective efforts in managing public health events while minimizing disruptions to travel and trade. Comprising 196 State Parties, encompassing all 194 WHO Member States along with Liechtenstein and the Holy See, these Parties have spearheaded the amendment process through the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (WGIHR).. The conclusion of the resumed session of the eighth meeting of the WGIHR marked today's milestone.

Concurrently, an intergovernmental process is underway to develop an international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This draft pandemic agreement, subject to its own Member State-led negotiation process resuming on May 20, is also slated for presentation to the World Health Assembly.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the critical role of the International Health Regulations, acknowledging their effective use in managing various public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He lauded the collaborative effort of Member States in strengthening international mechanisms for epidemic and pandemic management, underscoring a commitment to equity and solidarity.

WGIHR Co-Chair Dr. Ashley Bloomfield of New Zealand hailed the productive consensus achieved on the majority of proposed amendments, highlighting the global significance of effective epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response.

Dr. Abdullah Assiri, fellow WGIHR Co-Chair from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underscored the imperative to bolster collective defenses against current and future public health risks, emphasizing the balance between national sovereignty and equity.

The potential new pandemic agreement and amended IHRs represent complementary international instruments negotiated by Member States to enhance global pandemic preparedness and response, focusing on strengthening countries' capacities and ensuring equitable access to essential resources.