US Rejects WHO Pandemic Amendments, Raising Concerns About Global Health Governance

The headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, was the site of a recent development. The US administration announced its rejection of amendments introduced by the WHO in 2024 regarding pandemic response, citing concerns about US sovereignty. This decision has been met with debate, as some sources indicate the amendments do not infringe upon national sovereignty.

The US Department of State and Department of Health and Human Services issued a joint statement confirming the official rejection of the amendments to the International Health Regulations. These regulations, adopted by consensus last year, aim to ensure global access to drugs, therapeutics, and vaccines during future pandemics. The agreement, reached in Geneva after three years of negotiations, mandates that manufacturers allocate a portion of their vaccines, medicines, and tests to the WHO to benefit poorer countries.

The US statement argued that the amendments expand the WHO's role in public health emergencies and promote its ability to facilitate "equitable access" to health commodities. The statement also criticized the terminology used in the amendments as vague, potentially leading to WHO-coordinated responses focused on political issues rather than effective action. The US officials stated their rejection was to protect US sovereignty.

However, reports indicate that the amendments and the parallel pandemic pact do not override national sovereignty, leaving health policy to national governments. This repeated rejection by the US is seen by some as an attempt to pursue dominance over multilateral collaboration. Experts suggest that severing ties with the WHO's global information network could compromise the US's ability to maintain comprehensive epidemiological data and diminish its preparedness for future pandemics.

The US's stance on the amendments comes after a period of political contention during the pandemic, with right-wing activists opposing measures like lockdowns and vaccine mandates. The US had previously withdrawn from discussions about the accord. The refusal to cooperate with the WHO and other countries could hinder information exchange, potentially disrupting global public health security.