The U.S. has proposed controversial amendments to the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations of 2005 (IHR).  Read the proposed US amendments HERE. 

In 2005, the United States accepted and agreed to the current WHO international regulations subject to formal written reservations, including the right of the US to assume obligations in a manner consistent with the US constitution, national security, and protection of private rights.  Read the IHR – page 61 – the US reservations HERE.

However, the current amendments proposed by the US do not protect the autonomy and integrity of other member nations.  Collaboration between international countries must always find ways to respect individual countries.  If the source of a health emergency begins in a member country and they determine that it does or does not constitute a public health emergency of international concern, their assessment should not be overridden by the Director of WHO or its Regional Directors.

Many sections of the amendments are controversial.  Here are just two examples:

1. It would delete the current regulation language that states: “Before taking any action based on such reports, WHO shall consult with and attempt to obtain verification from the State Party in whose territory the event is allegedly occurring in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article 10.”

2. It would add language that would give more power to the Director General of WHO and Regional Directors without country agreement to determine whether an event constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

New 6. Where an event has not been determined to meet the criteria for a public health emergency of international concern but the Director-General has determined it requires heightened international awareness and a potential international public health response, the Director-General, on the basis of information received, may determine at any time to issue an intermediate public health alert to States Parties and may consult the Emergency Committee in a manner consistent with the procedure set out in Article 49.

New 7. A Regional Director may determine that an event constitutes a public health emergency of regional concern and provide related guidance to States Parties in the region either before or after notification of an event that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern is made to the Director-General, who shall inform all States Parties.

Timeline:  The amendments are on the agenda for the World Health Assembly annual meeting in Geneva on May 22-28th, 2022. 

Take Action and tell WHO to honor the autonomy of the parties to the International Health Regulations (2005).