World Health Organization Adopts New Measures to Enhance Global Preparedness and Response to Pandemics: Amendments to International Health Regulations and Equity in Access to Health Products during Crises

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) held its six-day World Health Assembly, where member countries agreed on a series of new measures to improve global preparedness and response to pandemics. One of the key aspects of these new measures is an amendment to the International Health Regulations, which were first adopted in 2005. These amendments include defining a “pandemic emergency” and working towards better access to financing and medical products for developing countries.

The decision to amend the regulations was made as a response to the ongoing global health crisis caused by COVID-19. While plans to adopt a more comprehensive pandemic treaty were put on hold due to disagreements between developing and developed countries, all parties agreed to finalize negotiations on the treaty by the end of the year.

Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert, praised these changes as a “big win for health security” and stated that they will help to streamline negotiations for the pandemic agreement. The new definition of a pandemic emergency includes criteria such as wide geographical spread, exceeding national health system capacities, causing economic or social disruption, and requiring swift international action.

Yuanqiong Hu, a senior legal and policy adviser at Doctors Without Borders, highlighted the importance of these amendments in addressing equity in access to health products during global health emergencies. These measures aim to ensure that all countries, especially developing ones, have equal access to necessary resources in times of crisis.

In conclusion, the WHO’s decisions reflect a global effort to strengthen preparedness and response to future pandemics. By making these regulatory amendments, countries are taking steps towards creating a more equitable and coordinated international response to health emergencies.