The Eighth Meeting Of The Working Group On Amendments To The International Health Regulations (2005) Took Place On 22nd to 26th April 2024 And Resumed On 16th To 18th May 2024 In Geneva, Switzerland
How did we get here?
In May 2022, it was agreed at the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA) that the WGIHR be given a mandate to consider proposed targeted amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) (https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA75/A75(9)-en.pdf) consistent with decision EB150(3)(2022) (https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB150/B150(3)-en.pdf) for consideration by the 77th WHA in May 2024.
In November 2022, the first meeting of the WGIHR was held.
Almost two years later, the eighth meeting of the WGIHR closed on 18th May 2024 less than ten (10) days ahead of the start of the 77th WHA.
22nd April Opening Plenary Session (publicly webcast)
Co-chair, Dr Abdullah Assiri, opened the session and quickly handed over to Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for his opening remarks:
“…in particular I would like to commend your progress regarding the possible new designation of a pandemic emergency with the “PHEIC” process. This week I urge you to capitalise on this progress and to focus on the provisions related to equity and closing the gaps in the global architecture that were exposed during the pandemic…”
The two co-chairs, Dr Assiri and Dr Ashley Bloomfield, gave their opening remarks with Dr Bloomfield commenting on the growing concerns around “bird flu”:
“…you will all be aware of the growing concern about the threat of H5N1 bird flu highlighted by the WHO just last week…”
The Agenda and Program of Work was adopted and the floor was opened to Relevant Stakeholders.
Seven (7) Relevant Stakeholders made comments. Most remained concerned about equity with some feeling it has been further watered down in the most recent text (which the public do not have sight of).
The open session was concluded and WGIHR8 moved into closed drafting session.
26th April Closing Plenary Session (publicly webcast)
As is standard procedure the draft report of the eighth meeting was projected onto the screen and delegations were invited to comment on the same.
It was agreed to reconvene the eighth meeting of the WGIHR in order to make final changes to the package of targeted amendments to the IHR:
“11. The Working Group supported the Bureau’s proposal to suspend the eighth meeting of the WGIHR and hold a resumed session to continue and conclude its work according to the mandate provided by the Health Assembly. The proposed dates for the resumed session were 16–17 May 2024, with the meeting times and modalities to be determined and announced by the WHO Secretariat. The Bureau would circulate its revised text by 10 May 2024.”
As the eighth meeting was suspended rather than closed, the report was considered only “interim”.
The proposed date for the resumed session was set for 16th and 17th May 2024. It was agreed that the Bureau would circulate a revised text of the proposed package of amendments by 10th May 2024.
15th May 2024
The interim report of the eighth meeting of the WGIHR was published:
https://apps.who.int/gb/wgihr/pdf_files/wgihr8/A_wgihr8_3-en.pdf
In addition to the commitment to circulate a revised text no later than 10th May (paragraph 11), a WGIHR draft resolution was introduced:
“10. The Co-Chairs introduced the WGIHR draft resolution for consideration by the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, which would be considered separately from the INB draft resolution in order to ensure clarity. The two draft resolutions would contain cross-references to each other, as needed.”
As of 19th May 2024, neither the revised text of the package of amendments to the IHR nor the draft resolution has been made publicly available. Neither can be found on the WHO website. (https://apps.who.int/gb/wgihr/index.html)
16th May 2024 resumed eighth meeting of the WGIHR
The resumed session of the eighth meeting of the WGIHR resumed on 16th May and closed on Saturday May 18th 2024, one day later than originally planned.
The short video of the session, which can be watched here https://rumble.com/v4vyoxz-wgihr-meeting-may-18-2024.html, was the only part of the resumed session that was made public.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield stated that “enormous progress” was made “…we have captured some significant and historic amendments that we would, that will form the basis of the package that we will propose to the WHA…”
The WGIHR has not yet reached agreement and consequently the negotiations will continue. Dr Bloomfield expressed confidence that agreement will be reached.
Conclusion
The most recent draft of the proposed package of targeted amendments to the IHR can be read here: https://apps.who.int/gb/wgihr/pdf_files/wgihr8/WGIHR8_Proposed_Bureau_text-en.pdf
In spite of the fact that the WGIHR has ignored its own rules, by breaching Article 55.2 of the IHR, the negotiations are on-going and look like they will lead right up to the 77th WHA which starts on 27th May 2024.
In case you need reminding of Article 55.2 the full text can be seen below (emphasis our own) followed by a UK Citizen letter to the House of Lords on the subject:
Article 55.2:
“The text of any proposed amendment shall be communicated to all States Parties by the Director-General at least four months before the Health Assembly at which it is proposed for consideration.”
Next steps
- Further negotiations but no details provided
- 77th World Health Assembly to be held on 27th May 2024.
