Assessment of the 2024 Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005)

DOI: 10.6524/TEB.202411_40(21).0001

Yu-Chen Hsu^1＊, Yung-Ching Lin², Yu-Min Chou¹

2024 Vol.40 NO.21

Correspondence Author： Yu-Chen Hsu^1＊

Abstract：

        The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the existing International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR (2005)) were insufficient to address future pandemics. Consequently, in 2022, a decision was made to revise the regulations based on the recommendations of the IHR (2005) Review Committee. The Working Group on Amendments to the IHR (2005) convened meetings to discuss draft amendments from 2022 to 2024, which were adopted at the 77th World Health Assembly in June 2024 and will take effect in 2025.
        The primary amendments include: (1) defining a "pandemic emergency" to facilitate more effective international cooperation in response to events that are likely to become or have become a pandemic; (2) mandating the sharing of information on a public health event with other Member States by WHO, even if the country of origin is unwilling, and encouraging Member States to accept WHO's proposals for transnational cooperation; (3) committing to increased accessibility of health products and the provision of their funding based on the principles of equity and solidarity, in order to equitably address the needs and priorities of developing countries, including the development, enhancement, and maintenance of their core capacities and other capacities related to pandemic emergency prevention, preparedness, and response; (4) establishing the States Parties Committee for the Implementation of the IHR (2005) to promote cooperation among states to ensure more effective implementation of the IHR (2005); (5) creating National IHR Authorities to improve the coordination of the IHR (2005) implementation within and between countries. Taiwan shall review and strengthen relevant laws, regulations, and response mechanisms in accordance with the aforementioned amendments.