77th World Health Assembly Updates Global Health Rules Based on Member Suggestions

 In a significant move for global health security, the 77th World Health Assembly has agreed to update the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) based on 300 proposals from member countries following the Covid-19 pandemic. These updates are designed to help countries better prepare for and respond to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) and Pandemic Emergencies (PE).

The new amendments focus on ensuring fair access to essential health products during global health emergencies. They also aim to gather financial resources to help developing countries build, strengthen, and maintain the necessary health capacities required by the IHR (2005).

Health Ministry Secretary Apurva Chandra celebrated this achievement, calling it an “incredible milestone.” He emphasized that these changes represent a step toward fairness and global solidarity, helping to protect future generations from pandemic threats.

The process to reach this agreement began almost two years ago, with two groups—the Working Group on International Health Regulations (WGIHR) and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on the Pandemic Treaty—leading the negotiations. These groups met several times, often facing difficult discussions and near deadlocks due to differing opinions among stakeholders.

To resolve these challenges, Apurva Chandra, as Chair of Committee A of the World Health Assembly, presented a White Paper on May 28, 2024. This proposal suggested forming a single drafting group, co-chaired by a member from both the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) and the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (WGIHR). This group was tasked with addressing the most critical issues regarding the proposed amendments and discussing procedural matters related to the INB’s work on the pandemic treaty.

The newly formed drafting group, alongside WHO secretariat and member state representatives, worked tirelessly to reach a consensus on the IHR amendments during the 77th assembly session. India’s contribution was particularly noteworthy, playing a constructive role in shaping the amendments to ensure they promote equity and support developing countries’ ability to respond to public health emergencies.

On June 1, 2024, the resolution to amend the IHR (2005) was unanimously adopted by the 77th World Health Assembly. The proposal received unanimous approval from all member states, marking a historic moment for global health cooperation.

This collective effort underscores the importance of global solidarity and cooperation in addressing health emergencies. The updated International Health Regulations will help create a more equitable and prepared world, better equipped to face future pandemics and health crises.