World Health Assembly Adopts Critical Amendments to International Health Regulations UPSC

Description

AMENDMENTS TO INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS

Source:

DownToEarth

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Context

On June 3, 2024, the 77th World Health Assembly made historic strides by adopting significant amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR).
These amendments aim to enhance global preparedness and response to future pandemics, emphasizing improved access to medical products and financing.

Details

Key Amendments and Decisions

Definition of Pandemic Emergency: The IHR now includes a precise definition of a “pandemic emergency,” facilitating more effective international collaboration in responding to events that are nearing or have already become pandemics.
Improved Access and Financing: Member countries pledged to ensure better access to medical products and financing, reinforcing health systems to protect against future outbreaks.
Strengthening National Capacities: Enhancements are aimed at improving countries' abilities to detect and respond to outbreaks. This includes better disease surveillance, information sharing, and national response plans.

Significance of the Amendments

Global Coordination: The amendments are designed to improve global coordination on disease surveillance, information sharing, and response efforts.
Equity and Collective Preparedness: The changes are underpinned by a commitment to equity and the recognition that health threats transcend national borders, making preparedness a collective responsibility.
States Parties Committee: This new committee will facilitate the effective implementation of the amended regulations, ensuring better coordination both within and between countries.
National IHR Authorities: These authorities are created to enhance the coordination of regulation implementation, ensuring that all nations have the resources and plans needed to effectively respond to health threats

Future Directions

Pandemic Agreement: Member countries will continue working on the proposed Pandemic Agreement, focusing on improving international coordination, collaboration, and equity in pandemic preparedness and response.
Intergovernmental Negotiating Body: Established in December 2021, its mandate has been extended to finalize the Pandemic Agreement by the World Health Assembly in 2025, or earlier if possible, at a special session in 2024.

International Health Regulations (IHR)

The International Health Regulations (IHR) are a legally binding framework established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure global public health security.
Objective: To prevent, protect against, control, and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease.

Historical Background

Origins: The first IHR were adopted in 1969, focusing on six diseases: cholera, plague, yellow fever, smallpox, relapsing fever, and typhus.
Revisions: The IHR were revised in 2005 to address a broader range of public health threats, including emerging diseases and other health events of international concern.

Key Components of IHR (2005)

Core Capacities:
- Surveillance: Countries must develop and maintain capabilities to detect, assess, report, and respond to public health events.
- Response: Establishment of national public health emergency response plans and coordination mechanisms.
Notification and Reporting:
- Timely Reporting: Countries must report public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC) to the WHO within 24 hours.
- Information Sharing: Continuous exchange of information with the WHO regarding public health risks and response measures.
Public Health Measures:
- Containment: Implementation of measures to prevent the spread of disease at points of entry, including airports, ports, and ground crossings.
- Quarantine and Isolation: Enforcing isolation and quarantine when necessary to contain infectious diseases.
International Collaboration:
- Coordination: Working with the WHO and other countries to manage health risks and share best practices.
- Technical Support: Receiving assistance from the WHO for capacity building and emergency response.

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Sources:

DownToEarth

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The 77th World Health Assembly’s adoption of critical IHR amendments marks a significant step towards enhanced global health security. Discuss. (250 Words)