In a landmark decision, member countries at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) have agreed to adopt amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), aimed at bolstering global protection against future pandemics.
India played a pivotal role in facilitating this agreement, as highlighted by Apurva Chandra, the Union Health Secretary, on Sunday.
The amendments were agreed upon after overcoming numerous negotiation deadlocks among various countries. These changes stem from over 300 proposals submitted by member states in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 77th WHA’s approval marks a significant step in global health governance.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare underscored India’s constructive involvement in formulating the new regulations. "India played a constructive role in the crafting of the Instrument, which seeks to operationalise equity, necessary for an equitable response by developing countries to Public Health Emergencies," stated the ministry.
Apurva Chandra, leading the Indian delegation in Geneva, proposed a White Paper on May 28 to establish a single drafting group. This group, co-chaired by members from both the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) and the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (WGIHR), aimed to address critical agenda items, including the proposed IHR amendments and procedural matters related to INB negotiations on the Pandemic Treaty.
The health ministry confirmed that this proposal was unanimously approved by all member states, leading to the formal adoption of the IHR amendments on June 1.
The amendments focus on enhancing countries' preparedness and response capabilities for Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) and Pandemic Emergencies (PE). They include provisions to facilitate equitable access to essential health products during such emergencies and the mobilization of financial resources to support developing nations in building and maintaining the core capacities required by the IHR (2005).
Apurva Chandra highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, "With the revision of the International Health Regulations, an incredible milestone has been reached. This is a further step towards equity and the creation of an umbrella of solidarity that will help protect the world from future pandemic threats. This is a gift to our children and grandchildren."
The adoption of these amendments represents a collective commitment to strengthening global health security and ensuring that all countries, especially developing ones, can respond effectively to future health emergencies.