Late last week in Geneva, the U.S. delegation to the World Health Assembly, led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, together with delegates from other WHO-member countries, successfully adopted a number of amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR). These amendments represent the most significant updates to the IHR in nearly 20 years.
The amendments will enhance transparency and timeliness of information and strengthen the global health security architecture while maintaining full respect for the sovereignty of individual states. They aim to improve access to critical health products to more equitably prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemic emergencies regardless of their origin. Additionally, steps will be taken to better identify and close critical gaps in health security capacities through the establishment of an Implementation Committee designed to stop outbreaks before they threaten Americans and national security.
These developments are expected to ensure that the United States is better prepared for future international health emergencies. The successful adoption of these amendments demonstrates that countries can come together to tackle global challenges and improve lives worldwide. This also provides momentum for concluding the Pandemic Agreement, which nations have agreed to finalize by May 2025.
As the world’s leading foreign assistance donor, the United States' commitment to health and health security remains unmatched. The United States has pledged $700 million to the new Pandemic Fund and supports its mission to provide dedicated long-term financing aimed at strengthening core capacities in low- and middle-income countries.
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