The 77th World Health Assembly has approved a comprehensive set of changes to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), which is a major victory for the security of global health. These changes seek to improve global preparedness and response to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) and epidemic Emergencies (PE). They are based on more than 300 requests from member countries made in the wake of the Covid-19 epidemic. Provisions for fair access to vital health items in times of emergency and the mobilization of financial resources to assist developing nations in establishing and sustaining the fundamental capacities mandated by the IHR (2005) are among the proposed revisions.
A legally enforceable framework known as the International Health Regulations (IHR) was created to protect public health by preventing and responding to threats that could transcend national boundaries and endanger people all over the world. First implemented in 1969, the IHR underwent a major overhaul in 2005. The Covid-19 outbreak revealed a number of flaws in the current structure, which prompted a thorough assessment and amendment process to fortify the laws even further.
Nearly two years have passed since the member states’ intensive deliberations and consultations that led to the adoption of these modifications. Important roles in this process were played by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on Pandemic Treaty (INB) and the Working Group on International Health Regulations (WGIHR), both of which had country representation. These groups convened on several occasions, including during sessions that were resumed, to discuss the diverse issues and viewpoints of the concerned parties.
The World Health Assembly’s Committee A Chairperson, Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, proposed a White Paper, which was a significant step forward in the negotiation process. This proposal, which was presented on May 28, 2024, called for the creation of a single drafting committee that would be co-chaired by a Bureau member from each of the INB and the WGIHR. Crucial agenda items that needed to be addressed by the group were the proposed changes to the IHR (2005) and the procedural issues surrounding the INB negotiations on the Pandemic Treaty. The overwhelming approval of this proposal by all member states underscores the shared commitment to bolstering the security of global health.
The difficult work of reaching an agreement on the IHR modifications was taken on by the single drafting group, with assistance from the WHO Secretariat and representatives of the member states. This approach involved the group navigating complicated and frequently difficult problems, which took a great deal of attention, diplomacy, and hard effort. The 77th World Health Assembly convened on June 1, 2024, saw the unanimous acceptance of the resolution to revise the IHR (2005) as a result of the successful cooperation and perseverance of all parties concerned.
In terms of the global health security goal, the IHR (2005) modifications represent a significant accomplishment since they incorporate the insights gained during the Covid-19 pandemic. The improvement of countries’ capacity to anticipate and respond to PHEIC and PE is one of the main areas of concentration. This covers the establishment and upkeep of fundamental capabilities such risk communication, laboratory capability, surveillance, and health system readiness. The changes also stress how crucial it is for member states to share information promptly and openly in order to provide a coordinated international response to health emergencies.
The revisions’ provision for fair access to pertinent health goods during PHEIC and PE is a crucial part. Significant differences in the availability of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments were brought to light by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in underdeveloped nations. By establishing procedures to guarantee that all nations, regardless of economic standing, have access to necessary health supplies during emergencies, the modified IHR seeks to redress these disparities. As part of this, a worldwide stockpile of health items will be created, and knowledge transfer and capacity building will be facilitated to support local production.
In order for nations, particularly developing ones, to establish and preserve the fundamental competencies mandated by the IHR (2005), financial resources are essential. The revisions contain clauses that address raising money to assist with these initiatives. In order to give needy nations financial and technical support, this entails creating funding channels and fostering international cooperation. The modified IHR seeks to improve the security and resilience of global health by guaranteeing the availability of sufficient resources.
India had a particularly significant role in the negotiations and approval of the IHR amendments. India contributed positively to the creation of the tool by promoting the operationalization of equality in the international response to medical crises. As Chair of Committee A, Shri Apurva Chandra played a pivotal role in steering the negotiation process and fostering unity among the member states. His leadership and dedication to the security of global health were demonstrated by the resolution’s successful passage.
An important turning point in the global health security agenda has been reached with the acceptance of the IHR amendments. It shows that member nations are committed to strengthening the global framework for avoiding and reacting to health emergencies and learning from the Covid-19 pandemic. The updated IHR will guarantee that nations are better equipped to handle potential health risks by laying a more solid and equitable basis for global health security.
SOURCE:
THE STATESMAN
