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77th World Health Assembly adopts amendments to International Health Regulations 2005 based on 300 proposals by member states

Context

The 77th World Health Assembly adopted significant amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), enhancing global preparedness and response to health emergencies.

This initiative, strongly supported by India, aims to ensure equitable access to health resources and bolster capacities in developing countries.

Analysis of the news:

• On 1st June 2024, the 77th World Health Assembly adopted a resolution to amend the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), based on 300 proposals from member countries post-Covid-19.
• The amendments aim to enhance countries’ preparedness and response to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) and Pandemic Emergencies (PE).
• Key provisions include facilitating equitable access to health products during emergencies and mobilising financial resources to support developing countries in building, strengthening, and maintaining core capacities required under the IHR.
• Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, expressed that the revisions mark a significant milestone towards global health equity and solidarity.
• India played a crucial role in crafting the Instrument, ensuring an equitable response by developing countries to public health emergencies.
• The negotiation process involved the Working Group on International Health Regulations (WGIHR) and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on the Pandemic treaty, which met over two years, facing numerous challenges.
• The adoption of the amendments is seen as a protective measure for future generations against pandemic threats.

World Health Assembly:

• Overview: The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Formation: Established in 1948, the WHA meets annually in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Membership: Comprises all 194 WHO member states, each represented by a delegation.
• Primary Function: Determines the policies of the WHO, approves the budget, and appoints the Director-General.
• Agenda: Addresses global health issues, including disease outbreaks, health emergencies, and health promotion.
• Resolutions: Adopts resolutions and decisions to guide the global health agenda and the work of WHO.
• Strategic Direction: Sets international health priorities and strategic directions for WHO’s work.
• Collaboration: Facilitates international cooperation on health issues, bringing together member states, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders.
• Recent Focus Areas: COVID-19 pandemic response, vaccine equity, universal health coverage, and strengthening health systems.