WHO Approves New Pandemic Response Steps, Sets Treaty Deadline

The World Health Organization approved steps to enhance global preparedness for pandemics like COVID-19, amending International Health Regulations last changed in 2005. Negotiations for a broader pandemic treaty will be completed within a year. The changes aim to improve access to health products and financing for developing countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Saturday the approval of measures to bolster global preparedness and response to pandemics such as COVID-19 and mpox. Member countries have agreed to amend the International Health Regulations, initially revised in 2005, to define terms like 'pandemic emergency' and assist developing nations in accessing necessary financing and medical products.

The amendments were agreed upon during the WHO's six-day World Health Assembly, although plans for a more comprehensive pandemic treaty faced delays due to disagreements between developed and developing countries over technology sharing. This new treaty is to be finalized by the end of the year, at the latest.

'The success of the IHR amendments demonstrates that in our divided and divisive world, countries can still come together to find common cause and common ground,' stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

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