International Health Regulations

Latest

Governance
Pope Francis, G7 leaders and guests attend a session on the second day of the G7 summit at the Borgo Egnazia resort.

The G7 Exposed the Health Dangers of a Multi-Crisis World

by David P. Fidler

The latest G7 summit revealed the expanding gap between health threats and policy solutions in a world of many crises

Governance
Nurses receive training on using ventilators provided by the World Health Organization in the intensive care ward that was allocated for COVID-19 patients.

The Amendments to the International Health Regulations Are Not a Breakthrough

by David P. Fidler

The major amendments misdiagnose problems that arose during COVID-19 and create processes that paper over disagreements

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, attends the World Health Assembly at the United Nations.
Governance

The New Amendments to the International Health Regulations

by Chloe Searchinger

The passage of a new IHR marks a key moment for global health governance

The World Health Organization (WHO) logo is seen near its headquarters.
Governance

Pandemic Agreement Negotiations Begin Final Stretch: What To Expect

With final negotiations set for late April, two experts explain the nuances of the Pandemic Agreement's latest draft

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), attends the World Health Assembly at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, May 21, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
Governance

The Endgame for Global Health Governance Negotiations

by David P. Fidler

Talks to finalize a pandemic agreement and IHR amendments enter decisive stages as the world's divisions deepen

During a lockdown, a man in a mask, red pants, and a black shirt prays outside a bright orange temple that is closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak, in Shanghai, China, on May 30, 2022. in front of a temple
Governance

What Nations Owe Each Other Before the Next Pandemic

by Lawrence O. Gostin, Kevin A. Klock, Sam F. Halabi, Katie Gottschalk, Katherine Ginsbach, Kashish Aneja

A pandemic treaty will need to contain fresh requirements

Russian president Vladimir Putin stands in front of a podium that says "End TB" with a bored expression on his face.
Governance

Will the WHO Sideline Russia Over Ukraine?

by Lillian Posner

Not if Russia withdraws first

Medical staff transport a COVID-19 patient from Brno to Prague, Czech Republic, on November 25, 2021.
Governance

The Case Against a Pandemic Treaty

by David P. Fidler

Strengthening global health governance after COVID-19 does not require a pandemic treaty

Global health security seeks to avoid installations like this one of crosses and balloons at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 8, 2020—a tribute to 100,000 victims of coronavirus. The photo shows an art installation of crosses, balloons and flag on the beach. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes
Governance

On the Framework Convention on Global Health

by , Martín Hevia

The convention offers a human rights-based legal foundation for global health security—which is exactly what we need now

The bar chart shows sources of pandemic preparedness spending, organizations and countries
Governance

Funding Pandemic Preparedness: A Global Public Good

by Hayley Stutzman, Angela E. Micah, Joseph L. Dieleman

Pandemics in a globalized world require global responses. We must be better equipped and funded.

George Washington is seen with a printed medical mask on the one-dollar bill near fifty-Euro banknotes in this illustration created during the coronavirus pandemic on March 31, 2020. The photo shows a bunch of paper money, dollars and euros, with a blue surgical-style mask on one of the bills. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic
Governance

Coronavirus in Europe: Who If Not Us?

by Ilona Kickbusch, Susan Bergner

Can the EU balance internal recovery with geopolitical influence and lift its gaze towards the international sphere?

A boiler stack at the Sugar Cane Growers cooperative in Belle Glade, Florida on January 6, 2010. The image shows a large smokestack belching out black billows and blocking the cloudy sky.
Governance

COVID-19 Is Smoke and Mirrors—What Matters Is International Law

by Ilona Kickbusch

Health is political, and the best political choice at the moment would be to strengthen WHO's legal power—not destroy it

Normally bustling tourist mecca Bourbon Street lies deserted in the early afternoon during shelter in place orders to slow the spread of coronavirus in a photograph of New Orleans on March 27, 2020. The photo shows a view of the entrance to Bourbon street, which would normally be packed with tourists and other people, almost completely empty. REUTERS/Drone Base
Governance

Preparing for the COVID-19 Surge in the United States

by Ali H. Mokdad

States such as Louisiana, New York, Michigan, and North Carolina are likely to be among the hardest hit

Volunteers take a break as they set up beds inside the Novi Sad Fair to accommodate people who suffer mild symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Novi Sad, Serbia, March 27, 2020. This is a striking image of two people resting on the edge of plain metal bed frames in a large space in which many, many more bed frames are placed. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
Trade

EU: Strongly United for Health—Deeply Divided on the Economy

by Ilona Kickbusch, Susan Bergner

Lock-step solidarity during COVID-19 pandemic is challenged by policy questions within and "mask diplomacy" from abroad