Member states of the WHO intend to persist in deliberations on proposals to modify the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005)

During the seventh session of the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (WGIHR) earlier this month, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) engaged in continuous discussions regarding proposals to modify the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005). The discussions consistently underscored the significance of their work for future global security.

Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, emphasized the importance of the Working Group's endeavors, stating that their efforts would shape the next decade of global surveillance and collective security, especially in dealing with health emergencies and high-impact epidemics.

Throughout the meeting, governments focused on refining amendments to articles and annexes that were in an advanced stage of negotiation. Substantial dialogue also took place on the continuum from public health alert to a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and pandemic.

Co-Chair Dr. Ashley Bloomfield reiterated that the WGIHR is a Member State-driven process during the final public session, emphasizing that the final package of amendments would be agreed upon by consensus. On March 8, 2024, Member States will address additional issues related to equity, collaboration, capacity building, and financing, which are also under consideration by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), when the seventh meeting of the WGIHR resumes.