During the World Health Organization’s World Health Assembly in 2024, member countries approved new measures to enhance global preparedness for pandemics such as COVID-19 and mpox, as well as to improve responses to dangerous outbreaks. Among the agreed-upon steps, countries decided to amend the International Health Regulations established in 2005 by defining a “pandemic emergency” and helping developing nations access funding and medical resources. Despite shelving plans for a more comprehensive pandemic treaty, countries committed to finalizing negotiations on the agreement by the end of the year.
The decision was met with praise from experts in public health law, such as Lawrence Gostin from Georgetown University, who described it as a significant victory for health security. The redefined pandemic emergency now includes a communicable disease with widespread geographic distribution or a high risk of one, surpassing the capabilities of national health systems and causing substantial social or economic disruption, necessitating rapid international action.
One of the key changes adopted by member countries was the addition of provisions promoting equitable access to health products during global health crises. Yuanqiong Hu, a senior legal and policy adviser at Doctors Without Borders, highlighted the importance of this provision in ensuring that everyone has access to necessary treatments during times of crisis.
Overall, this decision marks an important step towards improving global preparedness for pandemics and ensuring that all people have access to necessary treatments during times of crisis.
