Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra praised India’s significant role in enhancing global health security during the 77th World Health Assembly. This assembly approved a series of important amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), influenced by 300 proposals from member countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chandra highlighted the importance of these regulations, which act as international laws guiding how countries handle epidemics and pandemics. The original IHR was established in 2005, but the recent amendments mark a major development.
He explained, “On June 1st, we successfully concluded the IHR amendments, which is a major achievement. India played a crucial role in bringing everyone together. Our country is respected by both the global south and the global north, making us an effective mediator.”
The amendments were long overdue. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, countries proposed over 300 changes, but agreeing on the specifics took two years of intense discussions. The approval of these amendments at the World Health Assembly was a key outcome of the meeting.
Chandra also mentioned an ongoing effort to create a pandemic treaty, focusing specifically on vaccines and their distribution during future pandemics. However, this treaty is being negotiated by a different group than the one working on the IHR amendments.
“We suggested combining the two groups into one drafting group,” Chandra said. “Our proposal was accepted, which streamlined the process. Our delegates worked tirelessly, often staying up late into the night. One session even went until 2:00 am. Finally, on the last day at 11:00 pm, we reached an agreement on the IHR amendments. This was a significant achievement after more than two years of negotiations.”
The pandemic treaty will be discussed further at the next World Health Assembly, Chandra noted.
India’s contribution to global health is widely respected, Chandra pointed out, especially due to the country’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. India provided health services to 2.2 billion people within just six months, thanks to a well-organized digital system. This achievement has earned India respect and recognition from both the Global North and Global South.
“We successfully delivered Covaxin to many countries in the Global South, which has expanded our influence and reach,” Chandra added.
The amendments to the IHR aim to improve countries’ preparedness and response to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) and pandemic emergencies. They include provisions to ensure fair access to essential health products during such emergencies and to mobilize financial resources to help developing countries build and maintain the core capacities required by the IHR (2005).
The negotiation process was complex, involving the Working Group on International Health Regulations (WGIHR) and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on the Pandemic Treaty. These groups began their work almost two years ago and have met several times, often facing deadlocks due to differing opinions among stakeholders.
To break the impasse, Chandra, as Chair of Committee A of the World Health Assembly, proposed a White Paper on May 28, 2024. This paper suggested creating a single drafting group, co-chaired by representatives from both the WGIHR and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body. This group would focus on the most critical issues, including the IHR amendments and procedural matters related to the pandemic treaty negotiations. All member states approved this proposal by consensus.
Chandra’s leadership in this process was instrumental in reaching a successful conclusion. His efforts to bring different groups together and his persistence in the negotiations were key to achieving the amendments’ approval.
Overall, the amendments to the IHR represent a major step forward in global health governance. They enhance countries’ abilities to respond to health emergencies and ensure that all countries, especially developing ones, have access to necessary resources and support. The streamlined negotiation process and the eventual approval of these amendments demonstrate the importance of collaboration and consensus in addressing global health challenges.
India’s role in this process has been pivotal, showcasing its growing influence and respect in the international health community. The country’s experience and success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic have positioned it as a leader in global health security, capable of bridging divides and fostering cooperation among diverse stakeholders.