During the World Health Assembly, member countries of the World Health Organization came together to discuss global preparedness and response to pandemics such as COVID-19 and smallpox. They unanimously agreed to amend the International Health Regulations, which were last updated in 2005. The amendments will include defining the term “pandemic emergency” and providing support for developing countries to access financing and medical products more effectively.
While plans to adopt a broader pandemic treaty at the meeting were postponed due to disagreements between developing and developed nations on technology sharing and pathogen distribution, countries have committed to finalizing negotiations on the treaty within the year. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the unity displayed in this decision, emphasizing the importance of finding common ground in a divided world.
Public health law expert Lawrence Gostin applauded the amendments as a “big win for health security,” noting that they will streamline negotiations for the pandemic treaty. The definition of a pandemic emergency was outlined during the meeting, indicating criteria such as a communicable disease with extensive geographic spread and significant economic or social impact, requiring swift international action.
The revised International Health Regulations will not come into immediate effect but are expected to be enforced a year after formal notification from Tedros to member countries. The changes adopted include provisions aimed at promoting equity in access to health products during global health emergencies, a crucial step according to Yuanqiong Hu, a senior legal and policy adviser at Doctors without Borders.
