WHO Amendments to International Health Regulations (2005)
The proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) by the World Health Organization (WHO) are a response to the weaknesses exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These amendments aim to enhance early detection, strengthen response capacity, and improve international cooperation and information sharing. The process is led by the Working Group on Amendments to the IHR (WGIHR), with substantial progress reported in their recent meetings. The next steps involve a final session in May 2024 to finalize the amendments before they are presented at the World Health Assembly for adoption. If accepted, the changes will be implemented globally, aiming to make the IHR more robust and effective against future public health emergencies.
