By Trend News Line 2024-06-02 14:58:46.
**WHO Member Countries Adopt Amendments to International Health Regulations**
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Member countries of the UN World Health Organization (WHO), on the final day of the seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, have made significant strides in global health governance. The adoption of crucial amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) marks a pivotal moment in the fight against future outbreaks and pandemics. The newly defined “pandemic emergency” and the commitment to improved access to medical products and financing are essential steps towards ensuring the safety and well-being of people worldwide.
According to a press release from WHO, these decisions reflect a collective effort by member states to protect their populations and the global community from the threats posed by public health emergencies and pandemics. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, described the historic decisions as a testament to the shared commitment to safeguarding public health on a global scale.
The amendments to the IHR will enhance countries’ capabilities to detect and respond to future outbreaks, strengthen national capacities, and foster greater cooperation between nations in disease surveillance, information sharing, and response efforts. Tedros emphasized the importance of equity in addressing health threats that transcend national borders, underscoring the need for a united approach to preparedness and response.
**Finalizing the Pandemic Agreement**
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In addition to the amendments to the IHR, countries have agreed to continue negotiations on a proposed pandemic agreement aimed at enhancing international coordination, collaboration, and equity in addressing future pandemics. The mandate of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) has been extended to finalize the agreement within a year, with a target date set for the World Health Assembly in 2025.
During the closing of the World Health Assembly, Tedros commended delegates for their dedication and hard work in advancing global health governance. He expressed confidence in the ability of member states to reach a consensus on the Pandemic Agreement, highlighting the importance of collective action in combating health emergencies.
The World Health Assembly, held in Geneva from 27 May to 1 June, focused on the theme “All for Health, Health for All,” underscoring the importance of collective action in promoting health and well-being worldwide.
**Amendments to the IHR**
The newly introduced amendments to the IHR include a clear definition of a pandemic emergency, aimed at facilitating more effective international collaboration in response to events with pandemic potential. This definition builds upon existing mechanisms within the IHR, such as the identification of public health emergencies of international concern, to trigger a coordinated international response.
Additionally, the amendments emphasize solidarity and equity in accessing medical products and financing through the establishment of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism. This mechanism seeks to support developing countries in securing the necessary resources to address their pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response needs.
The amendments also establish a States Parties Committee to promote cooperation in implementing the IHR and create National IHR Authorities to enhance coordination within and among countries. These measures are designed to strengthen global health governance and enhance the collective response to public health emergencies.
**Understanding the IHR**
The International Health Regulations (IHR) serve as a crucial international instrument that outlines countries’ responsibilities in managing public health events and emergencies with potential cross-border implications. The Regulations include reporting obligations for countries, criteria for identifying public health emergencies of international concern, and guidelines for international travel and health documentation compliance.
Last updated in 2005, the IHR play a vital role in ensuring global health security and promoting cooperation among nations in addressing public health challenges. The recent amendments to the IHR represent a significant step towards strengthening the global health governance framework and enhancing preparedness for future health emergencies..
“World Health Assembly pandemic preparedness efforts”
“Boosting global pandemic preparedness efforts”.
