Latest news with #WHO-coordinated
GMA Network
19-07-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
US rejects WHO pandemic changes to global health rules
The World Health Organization logo is seen near WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on February 2, 2023. REUTERS/ Denis Balibouse/ File photo WASHINGTON — The United States has rejected amendments adopted in 2024 by members of the World Health Organization (WHO) to its legally binding health rules aimed at improving preparedness for future pandemics following the disjointed global response to COVID-19. The Department of State and Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement they had transmitted on Friday the official US rejection of the amendments to the International Health Regulations, which were adopted by consensus last year. The amendments introduced a new category of "pandemic emergency" for the most significant and globally threatening health crises in an effort to shore up the world's defenses against new pathogens. "Developed without adequate public input, these amendments expand the role of the WHO in public health emergencies, create additional authorities for the WHO for shaping pandemic declarations, and promote WHO's ability to facilitate 'equitable access' of health commodities," the US statement said. "Terminology throughout the 2024 amendments is vague and broad, risking WHO-coordinated international responses that focus on political issues like solidarity, rather than rapid and effective actions," said the statement, jointly issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has a long history of sowing doubt about vaccine safety, had slammed the WHO in a video address to the Assembly during its vote on a separate pandemic agreement, saying it had failed to learn from the lessons of the pandemic. That pact, which was adopted in Geneva in May after three years of negotiations, aims to ensure that drugs, therapeutics and vaccines are globally accessible when the next pandemic hits. It requires participating manufacturers to allocate a target of 20% of their vaccines, medicines and tests to the WHO during a pandemic to ensure poorer countries have access. US negotiators left discussions about the accord after President Donald Trump began a 12-month process of withdrawing the US—by far the WHO's largest financial backer—from the agency when he took office in January. Its exit means the US would not be bound by the pact. Kennedy and Rubio said on Friday that their rejection protects US sovereignty. The IHR amendments and the parallel pandemic pact leave health policy to national governments and contain nothing that overrides national sovereignty, however. — Reuters
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
US rejects WHO pandemic changes to global health rules
Washington: The United States has rejected amendments adopted in 2024 by members of the World Health Organization to its legally binding health rules aimed at improving preparedness for future pandemics following the disjointed global response to COVID-19. The Department of State and Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement they had transmitted on Friday the official U.S. rejection of the amendments to the International Health Regulations , which were adopted by consensus last year. The amendments introduced a new category of " pandemic emergency " for the most significant and globally threatening health crises in an effort to shore up the world's defenses against new pathogens. "Developed without adequate public input, these amendments expand the role of the WHO in public health emergencies, create additional authorities for the WHO for shaping pandemic declarations, and promote WHO's ability to facilitate 'equitable access' of health commodities," the U.S. statement said. "Terminology throughout the 2024 amendments is vague and broad, risking WHO-coordinated international responses that focus on political issues like solidarity, rather than rapid and effective actions," said the statement, jointly issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has a long history of sowing doubt about vaccine safety, had slammed the WHO in a video address to the Assembly during its vote on a separate pandemic agreement, saying it had failed to learn from the lessons of the pandemic. That pact, which was adopted in Geneva in May after three years of negotiations, aims to ensure that drugs, therapeutics and vaccines are globally accessible when the next pandemic hits. It requires participating manufacturers to allocate a target of 20% of their vaccines, medicines and tests to the WHO during a pandemic to ensure poorer countries have access. U.S. negotiators left discussions about the accord after President Donald Trump began a 12-month process of withdrawing the U.S. - by far the WHO's largest financial backer - from the agency when he took office in January. Its exit means the U.S. would not be bound by the pact. Kennedy and Rubio said on Friday that their rejection protects U.S. sovereignty. The IHR amendments and the parallel pandemic pact leave health policy to national governments and contain nothing that overrides national sovereignty, however.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
US rejects WHO global pandemic response accord
World Health Organization (WHO) logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States has rejected an agreement adopted by members of the World Health Organization to improve preparedness for future pandemics following the disjointed global response to COVID-19, the government said on Friday. The Department of State and Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement they had transmitted on Friday the official U.S. rejection of the legally binding pact, which was adopted in Geneva in May after three years of negotiations. The pact aims to ensure that drugs, therapeutics and vaccines are globally accessible when the next pandemic hits. It requires participating manufacturers to allocate a target of 20% of their vaccines, medicines and tests to the WHO during a pandemic to ensure poorer countries have access. U.S. negotiators left discussions about the accord after President Donald Trump began a 12-month process of withdrawing the U.S. - by far the WHO's largest financial backer - from the agency when he took office in January. Its exit means the U.S. would not be bound by the pact. "Developed without adequate public input, these amendments expand the role of the WHO in public health emergencies, create additional authorities for the WHO for shaping pandemic declarations, and promote WHO's ability to facilitate 'equitable access' of health commodities," the U.S. statement said. "Terminology throughout the 2024 amendments is vague and broad, risking WHO-coordinated international responses that focus on political issues like solidarity, rather than rapid and effective actions," said the statement, jointly issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has a long history of sowing doubt about vaccine safety, had slammed WHO in a video address to the Assembly during its vote, saying it had failed to learn from the lessons of the pandemic with the new agreement. Kennedy and Rubio said on Friday that the rejection protects U.S. sovereignty. The pact leaves health policy to national governments and contains nothing that overrides national sovereignty, however. (Reporting by Ahmed AbouleneinEditing by Alexandra Hudson)
Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
US rejects WHO global pandemic response accord
World Health Organization (WHO) logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration WASHINGTON - The United States has rejected an agreement adopted by members of the World Health Organization to improve preparedness for future pandemics following the disjointed global response to COVID-19, the government said on Friday. The Department of State and Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement they had transmitted on Friday the official U.S. rejection of the legally binding pact, which was adopted in Geneva in May after three years of negotiations. The pact aims to ensure that drugs, therapeutics and vaccines are globally accessible when the next pandemic hits. It requires participating manufacturers to allocate a target of 20% of their vaccines, medicines and tests to the WHO during a pandemic to ensure poorer countries have access. U.S. negotiators left discussions about the accord after President Donald Trump began a 12-month process of withdrawing the U.S. - by far the WHO's largest financial backer - from the agency when he took office in January. Its exit means the U.S. would not be bound by the pact. "Developed without adequate public input, these amendments expand the role of the WHO in public health emergencies, create additional authorities for the WHO for shaping pandemic declarations, and promote WHO's ability to facilitate 'equitable access' of health commodities," the U.S. statement said. "Terminology throughout the 2024 amendments is vague and broad, risking WHO-coordinated international responses that focus on political issues like solidarity, rather than rapid and effective actions," said the statement, jointly issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has a long history of sowing doubt about vaccine safety, had slammed WHO in a video address to the Assembly during its vote, saying it had failed to learn from the lessons of the pandemic with the new agreement. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Critical infrastructure in S'pore under attack by cyber espionage group: Shanmugam Singapore What is UNC3886, the group that attacked Singapore's critical information infrastructure? Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Asia Indonesia court jails former trade minister for 4½ years in sugar graft case Singapore Singapore police in contact with Indonesian authorities over baby trafficking allegations Singapore NTU upholds zero grade for student accused of using AI in essay; panel found 14 false citations or data Singapore 7-year-old girl, cabby taken to hospital after vehicle pile-up in City Hall area Singapore Former NUH male nurse charged after he allegedly molested man at hospital Kennedy and Rubio said on Friday that the rejection protects U.S. sovereignty. The pact leaves health policy to national governments and contains nothing that overrides national sovereignty, however. REUTERS
Business Recorder
27-04-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
WHO pandemic treaty
EDITORIAL: The recent landmark agreement reached by member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO) represents a critical juncture in the global management of future pandemics. After more than three years of complex and sometimes contentious negotiations, the WHO countries have successfully struck a deal to establish a comprehensive pandemic treaty aimed at addressing the severe inadequacies exposed during the Covid-19 crisis. This agreement must be welcomed, as it lays a necessary foundation for greater global cooperation, preparedness, and equitable access to healthcare resources in future global health emergencies. Central to the treaty is the introduction of the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS). This innovative mechanism is designed to streamline the rapid sharing of pathogen-related data with pharmaceutical firms, expediting the development and distribution of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. By committing to this level of transparency and cooperation, the treaty directly addresses one of the greatest failures of the global response to Covid-19—the slow and uneven distribution of crucial medical resources. Ensuring that medical breakthroughs swiftly translate into universally accessible healthcare solutions is undoubtedly one of the treaty's most commendable components. Another notable achievement of the agreement is its nuanced approach towards technology transfers. Technology transfer, particularly concerning pharmaceutical products developed during pandemics, has historically been a sticking point, with powerful pharmaceutical interests often prioritising intellectual property rights above public health needs. The finalised text of the treaty states that such transfers must be 'mutually agreed,' thereby finding a pragmatic balance between protecting intellectual property and facilitating widespread access to essential health technologies. While this compromise may not satisfy all stakeholders fully, it is a significant step forward, showing that member states recognise the imperative of balancing commercial interests with public health necessities. Additionally, the treaty contains a pivotal commitment by pharmaceutical manufacturers to allocate 20 percent of their real-time pandemic-related production to WHO-coordinated efforts. This clause directly addresses the stark inequities witnessed during the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, where wealthy nations secured large portions of early vaccine supplies, leaving many developing countries dangerously exposed. This structured allocation will play a vital role in ensuring equitable access, offering a degree of protection against vaccine nationalism and commercial exploitation in future crises. Despite its evident strengths, though, the treaty is not without challenges. Most notably, the absence of the United States, following its announced departure from the WHO, significantly undermines the treaty's global reach and effectiveness. American participation and leadership have historically played key roles in international health responses. Without US involvement, there remains a potential gap in implementation and financing, as well as uncertainty regarding global leadership in health crises. The true test of this agreement, however, will come in its practical implementation. Member states must not only ratify, but actively enforce and operationalise its provisions. Adequate funding, political commitment, and sustained global solidarity are crucial if the treaty is to transcend symbolic significance and achieve practical effectiveness. It will require governments to look beyond immediate national interests and embrace a genuinely cooperative stance on global health. In welcoming this treaty, it is vital to recognise that pandemics are not isolated health events; they are global phenomena requiring robust, collective responses. This landmark agreement signifies a strong international consensus on the necessity of preparedness, equity, and transparency in managing future pandemics. However, the real work begins now. The international community must remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that these ambitious aspirations translate into concrete actions, safeguarding humanity's collective health and well-being in the years to come. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
