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National IHR authorities in the 2024 amendments to WHO’s International Health Regulations: transforming the opportunity into reality

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In June 2024, the World Health Assembly reached agreement on a package of amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) to enhance global epidemic and pandemic preparedness.1 The amendments come into force on 19 September 2025.2 Described by the WHO Director-General as a “historic opportunity to protect future generations from the impact of epidemics and pandemics, with a commitment to equity and solidarity,”3 the amendments must now be translated into national legal frameworks if they are to realise their full potential. In today’s post-Westphalian international legal order, sovereign States are accustomed to adjusting domestic legal frameworks to align with international commitments. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the urgency of this task, underscoring the need not only for legal preparedness but also for sustained political and financial support for the Regulations.4 As States prepare to implement the amendments and adapt their national laws, the newly introduced concept of national IHR authorities is likely to demand particular attention.

Source: BMJ Global Health

DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2025-019284

Authors: Cedric Aperce, Roojin Habibi

Institutions: Resolve to Save Lives, University of Ottawa

Language: English

Topic: Legal, Health, Environmental and COVID-19 Challenges

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,679